The 6th Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by President Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, held the traditional pre-sitting meeting with the African ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa today.
The Bureau briefed African diplomats on the status of preparations for the Sitting of the Permanent Committees and other Organs of the Pan-African Parliament scheduled from 16 to 20 September 2024.
This sitting will take place under the African Union theme for 2024: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa,”
The Permanent Committees, which align their functions with those of the African Union Commissions, meet twice a year for statutory meetings but can convene more often during parliamentary sessions or for non-statutory meetings as needed. These committees enable Parliament to fulfill its core oversight, advisory, and consultative functions. They are tasked with implementing programs and projects aligned with the Parliament’s strategic plan, which is developed in consideration of the Parliament's vision, Agenda 2063, and the Union’s theme of the year.
Additionally, the ambassadors were informed about the 12th Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments, where presiding officers of African legislatures will reflect on and propose parliamentary solutions to contemporary challenges facing the African continent, from 18 to 20 September 2024.
The Conference of Speakers will be preceded by the Annual meeting of the Clerks of African Parliaments, aimed at bridging the gap between national and continental legislative efforts, supporting national parliament members in their PAP roles, and enhancing the PAP’s ability to integrate and amplify the work of national parliaments across Africa.
