Dushanbe will host a meeting of the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly for the first time from Sept. 24-27, 2026.

The meeting is expected to bring together the secretary-general and representatives of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Secretariat, along with parliamentary delegations from more than 20 member states, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan, Bahrain, Cambodia, Qatar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cyprus, Pakistan, Türkiye, Oman, China, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Russia.

Tajikistan holds the chairmanship of the Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs for the 2026-27 term. The meeting in Dushanbe is a key event of the country’s chairmanship and is intended to promote parliamentary dialogue, coordinate positions among member states and strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The meeting also reflects the continued participation of the Majlisi Namoyandagon in the work of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly. Discussions will focus on social, cultural and humanitarian issues and on opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of legislative experience among member states.

The Asian Parliamentary Assembly serves as a platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation among Asian countries. Its activities include plenary sessions, standing committee meetings and other parliamentary forums addressing regional and international issues.

The Standing Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs addresses a broad range of issues, including cultural heritage and diversity, human development, health care, women’s participation in parliamentary activities, the rights and interests of children and youth, interfaith dialogue and tourism.

During Tajikistan’s chairmanship, priorities include strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation, exchanging legislative experience and developing joint approaches to social and cultural challenges.

Dushanbe has also been designated the Cultural Capital of Asia for 2026. Against this backdrop, the city’s selection as the venue for the meeting underscores its role as a platform for regional parliamentary dialogue and cultural cooperation.

The hosting of the event is expected to provide an opportunity to further strengthen parliamentary ties, mutual understanding and cooperation among Asian countries.