Chairman of the Shura Council Affirms the Importance of Promoting Joint Humanitarian Action and Supporting the Values of Justice and Peace, Highlighting Oman’s Efforts in This Field
His Excellency Khalid Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, delivered a speech before the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held today in the City of Geneva in the Swiss Confederation under the theme “Commitment to Humanitarian Standards and Support for Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”

His Excellency underscored the significance of this international gathering in reinforcing the values of humanitarian work and promoting the principles of solidarity and cooperation among parliaments toward a more peaceful and sustainable future. He noted that the meeting comes at a sensitive time that requires all states and parliaments to intensify efforts to confront the humanitarian, economic, and political challenges facing the world.
He emphasized that protecting humanitarian work during crises has become a moral and humanitarian duty, as the ongoing crises—from armed conflicts to natural disasters and economic turmoil—have cast their shadow over humanitarian efforts and placed unprecedented challenges before those working in this field. This, he added, calls for upholding humanitarian principles and strengthening legislative frameworks that ensure neutrality, independence, and non-discrimination, as well as guaranteeing the delivery of aid to those in need without obstacles or politicization.
His Excellency stressed that humanitarian work represents a common language among nations, and that preserving human dignity during times of crisis is the true measure of a society’s awareness and humanity. He stated that the world today needs a unified vision that places the human being at the heart of every initiative and effort, noting that enhanced parliamentary cooperation, exchange of experiences, and the launch of joint initiatives in legislation and awareness-raising form a cornerstone for ensuring the effective implementation of international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, and the preservation of international peace and security.
Referring to Oman’s efforts in this domain, His Excellency highlighted that the Sultanate has made humanitarian action one of the key pillars of its national policy. He noted that Oman Vision 2040 enshrines the values of social solidarity and community responsibility as foundations for building a cohesive and sustainable society, considering humanitarian and charitable work an integral part of the Omani national identity.



He pointed out that Oman, through its official institutions—foremost among them the Omani Charitable Organization, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and various volunteer groups and civil initiatives—has extended humanitarian aid to countries affected by natural disasters and conflicts without discrimination or political considerations, embodying Oman’s approach of positive neutrality and genuine humanitarianism.
He further noted that the Sultanate has been keen to strengthen its partnerships with international humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to help build more effective national and regional capacities for crisis management and rapid response.
His Excellency stressed that supporting humanitarian work cannot be separated from upholding humanitarian justice, pointing out that the suffering of innocent civilians in conflict areas represents a grave violation of all human values and international conventions. He urged the international community to shoulder its ethical and humanitarian responsibilities, to act collectively to stop violations against relief institutions and their workers, and to uphold international humanitarian law as the cornerstone for protecting human life and dignity.
He emphasized that parliaments bear a major responsibility in promoting these values through enacting legislation that supports humanitarian action, overseeing its implementation, and adopting initiatives that contribute to the sustainability of relief efforts. He called for a unified parliamentary stance for a more just and humane world, concluding his speech by affirming that the current global crises are a real test of nations’ commitment to humanitarian ideals and principles, and that the true value of humanitarian work lies in sincerity of intent, not in the size of funding.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, His Excellency Khalid Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, and his accompanying delegation met with His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al-Yamahi, President of the Arab Parliament. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Shura Council and the Arab Parliament, and exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly the Palestinian cause. Both parties stressed the importance of unifying Arab parliamentary positions in international forums and supporting efforts aimed at rebuilding Gaza and intensifying parliamentary action to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people.
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms to enhance relations between Arab parliaments and promote parliamentary diplomacy to achieve greater cooperation among councils in various fields.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Mohammed Al-Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, participated in the meeting of the Association of Secretaries-General of National Parliaments, which reviewed experiences of several parliaments regarding current issues and innovations, as well as measures adopted to mitigate risks of future events that might hinder the convening of parliaments, within the framework of exchanging expertise and enhancing institutional preparedness.
As part of the Council’s participation in the accompanying committee meetings of the IPU, the Shura Council also took part in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights, which adopted a draft resolution titled “Recognizing and Supporting Victims of Unlawful Intercountry Adoption and Taking Measures to Prevent Such Practices.” The Council was represented in this meeting by His Excellency Mohsen Al-Junaibi, Member of the Council.
The Council further participated in the meeting of the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, which held a hearing on “The Role of Parliaments in Establishing Effective Mechanisms for Post-Conflict Management and Restoring Just Peace,” in addition to a panel discussion on arms reduction and non-proliferation policies.
The Shura Council also took part in the Young Parliamentarians Forum, which reviewed recent developments in youth participation at both national and global levels, elected the Forum’s Bureau members, and discussed the contribution of young parliamentarians to the resolutions included in the General Assembly’s agenda. The Council was represented in these meetings by His Excellency Nasser Al-Habsi, Member of the Council.
In addition, the Council participated in the 216th Session of the Governing Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, during which the agenda was adopted, the President of the 151st General Assembly was elected, proposed amendments to the Union’s Statutes were discussed, and elections for the Executive Committee were held. The Council was represented in this meeting by His Excellency Mansour Al-Siabi, Member of the Council.
It is worth noting that the Shura Council delegation participating in the 151st General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and its accompanying meetings was headed by His Excellency Khalid Hilal Al-Maawali, Chairman of the Council, and included His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed Al-Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Council, as well as Their Excellencies Mohsen Al-Junaibi, Nasser Al-Habsi, and Mansour Al-Siabi, Members of the Council.