The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, on Monday called for the root causes of migration to be addressed through peace, economic opportunity, job creation, youth empowerment and stronger regional integration.
The Minister delivered the keynote address at the Opening of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) to over 900 Commonwealth parliamentarians at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Minister Ramokgopa told delegates that across Africa and beyond, millions of people are on the move because of conflict, economic hardship, climate pressures and the search for opportunity. She said the sustainable response to this socio-economic phenomenon lies in addressing its root causes.
Ms Ramokgopa said that to resolve current global challenges, institutions of global governance must evolve to become more inclusive, representative and responsive to the needs of both developed and developing countries.
In keeping with the spirit of this year’s conference theme, she urged the CPA to defend international law consistently, strengthen parliaments as institutions of oversight and participation, deepen inclusion for women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities and use parliamentary diplomacy for peace.
The CPC is convened under the theme, “Strengthening Parliamentary Action for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health: Commonwealth Leadership for Resilient Communities in a Changing World Order.”
As the conference unfolds in the coming days, she pointed out, “delegates should not be satisfied with another successful conference measured only by the quality of our discussions”. Instead, this year’s CPC should be remembered for “the commitments we make and the action we take”. “I, therefore, propose that we defend international law consistently and universally, regardless of the identity, power or geopolitical influence of the state concerned.”
Minister Ramokgopa also implored delegates to strengthen their parliaments as institutions of representation, oversight, accountability and public participation. By doing this, they make our democracies more inclusive by expanding the meaningful participation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities. To use parliamentary diplomacy more deliberately as an instrument for international cooperation. To also ensure that the rules and institutions of the emerging digital age, including Artificial Intelligence, are shaped by democratic values, human rights and the public interest. These commitments must be accompanied by action, she told delegates.
The Minister further noted that Commonwealth parliamentarians are gathering following the CPA’s transition from its former UK charitable status towards a new international legal status as an inter-parliamentary organisation. As the CPA’s new legal status takes centre stage, delegates are expected to help shape its standing in global affairs. She urged delegates to bring the transformation agenda of the CPA to fruition. “We encourage delegates to work collectively towards bringing this process to a conclusion. Doing so would strengthen the Association's capacity to contribute more effectively to global democratic governance through the work of its member parliaments.”
Ms Ramokgopa said to strengthen the CPA’s legitimacy, it should deepen its engagement in international forums and institutions of global governance. She said this will enable it to evolve into a more inclusive body that is representative and responds to the needs of both developed and developing countries. The Minister noted that parliamentary diplomacy can play a significant role in promoting fair trade, reducing inequality and supporting sustainable economic growth, particularly across the Global South.
The Minister also highlighted the disproportionate effect of climate change and said it is often women who bear the brunt of this. She urged delegates to consider gender-responsive laws that will transform women into architects of change rather than mere victims of climate change.
Abel Mputing
15 September 2026
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