The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has called for stronger parliamentary cooperation across the African continent to advance Africa’s Agenda 2063. She was addressing the opening of the 26th Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments convened under the auspices of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand.
Welcoming parliamentary leaders and delegates to the conference, Speaker Didiza reaffirmed South Africa’s steadfast support for the PAP and highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening cooperation among African nations.
She said: “Parliamentary diplomacy is an essential tool for building trust, strengthening peace and advancing Africa's shared future.”
The Speaker congratulated the newly elected Bureau of the PAP and highlighted the institution’s role as the democratic voice of Africa’s people and a pillar of accountability within the African Union.
She emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy strengthens dialogue, promotes legislative cooperation and enables African parliaments to develop common solutions to shared continental challenges, including migration, peacebuilding, democratic governance and sustainable development.
Speaker Didiza called for greater collaboration among national, regional and continental parliaments, increased participation of women and youth in parliamentary diplomacy, and stronger coordination between regional parliamentary bodies and the Pan-African Parliament.
She also called for enhanced alignment of Africa’s parliamentary engagement within global institutions, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and continued efforts to strengthen the PAP as Africa’s premier continental legislative institution.
Reaffirming that Africa’s greatest strength lies in learning from one another, she encouraged parliamentary leaders to transform dialogue into collective action that delivers tangible benefits for the continent and its people.
The 26th Conference of Speakers of national and regional parliaments continues at the seat of the PAP in Midrand.
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