International coalition convening in Reykjavik today for discussion and decision-making on global matters.
Today, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) gathers at Reykjavik's Harpa Concert Hall. This illustrious gathering sees over 60 Assembly members from 46 nations converge. At the helm, Iceland's government speaker, Birgir Ármannsson, warmly welcomes the attendees.
The host country's agenda includes an opening address by Birgir Ármannsson, followed by an open dialogue with Iceland's Foreign Minister, Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, within the framework of Iceland's Presidency of the Committee of Ministers.
This momentous day coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, during which an event on "Digital violence against women" is scheduled. Notable speakers include Iceland's Prime Minister and Equality Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, National Commissioner of Police lawyer María Rún Bjarnadóttir, and Ævar Pálmi Pálmason, head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division.
Another pressing matter on the table is the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where parliamentarians will engage in a current affairs debate about the escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine. They are also expected to adopt a statement for the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, slated for May 16-17, 2023 in Reykjavik.
Discussions regarding the role of the Council of Europe will encompass its role as a cornerstone of the European political architecture, the importance of protecting democracy during health crises, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on civil society space and prison populations, ensuring safe medical supply chains, evaluating the partnership for democracy in respect of the Parliament of Jordan, and observing early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria.
You can catch this pivotal meeting live via webcast. For a comprehensive understanding of today's events, it's essential to refer to PACE's official communications, as no specific Reykjavik-related details were found in the provided materials. Recent discussions revolve around environmental law reforms and the Georgia-Russia conflict.
One influential focus in PACE's agenda is the Reykjavik Declaration (2023), which continues to shape discussions regarding environmental rights and territorial sovereignty.
- The news about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will likely be discussed during the PACE meeting in Reykjavik's Harpa Concert Hall.
- The women's rights agenda, including digital violence against women, is scheduled for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women during PACE's meeting in 2023.
- As part of the PACE meeting, specific discussions are expected to cover policy-and-legislation issues such as the role of the Council of Europe, democracy protection during health crises, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on civil society space and prison populations.
- Along with women's rights and policy discussions, the political circumstances surrounding the Georgia-Russia conflict and environmental law reforms are influencing recent talks within PACE.
- In 2023, the Reykjavik Declaration will continue to dominate discussions within PACE, shaping talks about environmental rights and territorial sovereignty.
