Attending the international conference “Women in the History of Azerbaijani Parliamentarism” in Baku this week was a powerful reminder of how institutional evolution and gender inclusion shape the resilience of statecraft.

Co-hosted by the Milli Majlis (the Parliament of Azerbaijan) and the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS (IPA CIS), the forum brought together lawmakers, diplomats, and scholars to reflect on a legacy that continues to redefine governance.

A few key observations stood out from the discussions:

·       Measurable progress: Female representation in the Milli Majlis has risen to 21% following the recent elections – nearly doubling over two decades.

·       Preserving knowledge: The publication of ‘Women in the History of Parliamentarism’ is working to highlight the strategic contributions of women in state-building.

·       Investing in the next generation: Initiatives such as student essay competitions engage young minds early and can drive momentous change.

Progress in public administration, much like in strategic corporate governance, relies on building strong institutional foundations, fostering inclusive perspectives, and ensuring leadership continuity.

It was an honour to engage with distinguished colleagues and experts committed to advancing these crucial dialogues.