Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Avgerinopoulou, Addresses Critical Global Security Challenges Amid the War in Ukraine

Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), delivered a strong address on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader implications for global security and stability, at the Third Parliamentary Summit hosted by the Parliaments of Ukraine and Latvia in Riga.

In her intervention, Dr. Avgerinopoulou emphasized the IPU’s firm position against military aggression and its commitment to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy. She expressed her appreciation to the Parliaments of Ukraine and Latvia for the invitation to participate in these important discussions, noting that Europe is facing security challenges not seen since the Cold War. “The war in Ukraine has shaken the foundations of international peace and stability to their core,” she stated.

In her capacity as IPU Vice-President, she reaffirmed the organization’s strong condemnation of the military aggression of the Russian Federation. She recalled that through two resolutions, the IPU has firmly rejected the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories and has called on all states to strictly adhere to the UN Charter and international law.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou also highlighted the risks arising from the erosion of international norms, warning that the war has brought the international community closer to scenarios not witnessed for decades. She stressed, for the first time, the alarming return of rhetoric concerning the potential use of nuclear weapons, calling for the safeguarding of the nuclear taboo and the categorical rejection of any threat or use of weapons of mass destruction.

She further underlined the essential role of parliamentarians in navigating this unprecedented crisis, noting that legislators have a responsibility to promote dialogue and cooperation. She emphasized that for more than 135 years, the Inter-Parliamentary Union has promoted peace through parliamentary engagement, referencing the recent Geneva Declaration on Parliamentary Diplomacy, which recognizes parliamentary diplomacy as a key instrument for conflict resolution and bridge-building in times of crisis.

She also referred to the work of the IPU Task Force on the Peaceful Resolution of the War in Ukraine, which addresses critical issues such as nuclear safety, food security, and the protection of children affected by the war.

In conclusion, Dr. Avgerinopoulou called for the continuation of diplomatic efforts, stressing that even in times of conflict, diplomacy and dialogue must remain open. She emphasized that lasting peace must be grounded in human security and shared global responsibility.

She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to address the distinguished audience and thanked her Ukrainian and Latvian counterparts for hosting the summit.