Parliament, Tuesday, 14 April 2026 – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, will lead a multiparty parliamentary delegation to the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 15 to 19 April 2026.
The 152nd Assembly will hold a General Debate on the overall theme: “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations.”
Hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the Assembly brings together over 1 500 parliamentarians from 183 member states to address urgent global challenges, including ongoing armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and the erosion f multilateralism. South Africa’s delegation will actively participate in the General Debate, sessions of the four IPU Standing Committees, and the election of a new IPU Secretary General.
Speaker Didiza will use the Assembly to advance South Africa’s core foreign policy objectives, including: strengthening post-conflict peacebuilding mechanisms; advocating for fair and sustainable global economic governance; supporting the two-State solution for Palestine, in line with SA’s consistent position; and promoting youth empowerment and climate justice, drawing on SA’s domestic legislative agenda.
Speaker Didiza’s confirmed engagements includes: an Address to the General Debate (scheduled for the morning of 16 April 2026); meetings of the IPU Africa Group (which she chairs since last April) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC); IPU Governing Council sessions and bilateral meetings with other parliamentary leaders.
Key Highlights of the 152nd IPU Assembly:
- Election of a new IPU Secretary-General (scheduled for 19 April), following the end of tenure of Martin Chunggong of Cameroon.
- Adoption of the IPU Strategy for 2027–2032, setting the global parliamentary agenda for the next five years.
- Resolutions on post-conflict peacebuilding and building a fair and sustainable global economy.
- Standing Committees discussions on the role of parliaments in combating protectionism, reducing tariffs, and preventing corporate tax avoidance, as well as the role of parliaments in establishing robust post-conflict management mechanisms and restoring a just and lasting peace..
- Workshops and side events on climate change, disability inclusion, interfaith dialogue, and the two-State solution for Palestine.
The Assembly will open on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, and will also elect the President of the 152nd Assembly and consider requests for the inclusion of an emergency item on the agenda. Proceedings are expected to conclude on Sunday, 19 April 2026, with the adoption of resolutions and an outcome document.
The South African multi-party delegation, led by Ms Didiza, includes the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr Poobalan Govender, Ms Dorries Mpapane (ANC); Mr Wesley Douglas (MKP); Mr Mikateko Mahlaule (ANC); Ms Jane Mananiso (ANC); Mr Baxolile Nodada (DA); Ms Nqobile Mhlongo (EFF); and Mr Nhlanhla Hadebe (IFP).
Founded in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the global organisation of national parliaments, now with 183 Members and 15 Associates. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with offices in New York City and Vienna, the IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and supports parliaments and parliamentarians in promoting peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action, and sustainable development worldwide.
For media interviews with the leader of the Parliamentary delegation and NA Speaker, Ms Thoko Didiza, please contact: Ms Malentsoe Magwagwa on 081 716 5824 (WhatsApp available) or Email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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