This session resumes the debate that began at the previous parliamentary summit in Tokyo on 8 September 2023 on the subject of the deteriorating international security framework, aggravated by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which was roundly condemned by the G7 countries.

Mounting instability and fresh military threats are undermining globalisation and making the supply chains of strategic goods vulnerable, thus leading to a redrawing of global geopolitical balances. This requires national parliaments to take on new responsibilities as they now have to commit to creating a more democratic system of global governance, aimed at fostering development, cooperation and peace among nations, and capable of reducing technological and commercial dependence, thus making the global supply chains more resilient and reliable.

The challenges facing Parliaments have to be addressed against a background of extreme instability and uncertainty. For 2023 saw the largest number of conflicts since the end of World War II. International tensions have had repercussions not only on security, but also on economies, increasing inequalities and poverty levels. In a world of multi-tier conflicts, with territorial disputes, struggles for resources, disinformation and the resultant food, environmental, health and energy crises, a rethinking of global strategies is now needed to ensure peace and restore the free flow of international trade.

Security is now a multifaceted concept with both a national and a supranational dimension: food security, environmental security, health security, economic security, energy security, cyber security, biosecurity, and maritime security. The interlinked nature of the threats demands a fresh approach that can no longer be followed by individual countries. Population movements and climate change are also giving rise to risks in every country, which must be addressed at both the national and the international levels.

The issues on which the national Parliaments will have to reflect and that will be the subject of the discussion at this first session, therefore, relate to economic development, the creation of a security system adapted to the current global scenario, and the definition of a global governance geared towards defending fundamental rights and freedoms.

We shall have to rethink the procurement of strategic resources, particularly energy resources, as a first step in promoting economic development, in a manner that makes States less dependent on global shocks. In this new environment, account will have to be taken of the need to protect future generations by steering production systems towards building up a green global economy. We must also reduce our dependence on foreign countries, promoting public and private investment, incentivising technological research and embarking on schemes to re-shore production within our own and our allies’ national borders.