International delegates congregate in Reykjavik today for PACE discussions
**PACE Meeting in Reykjavik: A Gathering of Global Leaders and Parliamentarians**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is convening today in Reykjavik, Iceland, at the Harpa Concert Hall. The meeting, which is being attended by over 60 Assembly members from 46 countries, is focusing on a range of pressing global issues.
The agenda for the meeting includes securing safe medical supply chains, a topic that has gained increased importance in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The discussion will also delve into the protection of democracy during health crises, the impact of the pandemic on civil society space, and on the prison population.
The observation of early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina is another key item on the agenda. The assembly will also be discussing the observation of elections in Bulgaria.
In line with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an event on "Digital violence against women" has been organised. The head of the Sexual Offences Investigation Division, Ævar Pálmi Pálmason, and National Commissioner of Police lawyer and GREVIO member María Rún Bjarnadóttir, will participate in this event.
The meeting will also include an exchange of views with Icelandic Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir. Icelandic Prime Minister and Equality Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir will also be in attendance.
The standing committee will also be discussing the evaluation of the partnership for democracy in respect of the Parliament of Jordan, and the parliamentarians are having a current affairs debate on the topic of "Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine".
The meeting will culminate in the adoption of a statement on the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe, to be held in Reykjavik on the 16-17 of May 2023.
The meeting is being reported by mbl.is/Kristinn Magnússon, and the event is being hosted by the speaker of the Icelandic government, Birgir Ármannsson, who will give an opening address.
This meeting in Reykjavik is a testament to the ongoing commitment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to addressing global challenges and promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across Europe.
- Parliamentarians at the PACE meeting in Reykjavik are having a current affairs debate on the topic of "Escalation in the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine," which falls under the broader category of 'war-and-conflicts.'
- In addition to discussing early parliamentary elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Bulgaria, the meeting's agenda includes an event on "Digital violence against women," making it relevant to 'general-news' and 'politics.'
