At the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, distinguished guests delivered powerful messages of solidarity, each highlighting the significance of education, democracy, and development for Africa. Held under the theme, “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 session showcased the collaborative vision of African leaders and allies dedicated to building a stronger, more educated continent.
Mr. Khalil Boudali, Presiding Officer of the African Union (AU) ECOSOCC, underscored education as the foundation of sustainable development, emphasising its role in lifting communities out of poverty and fostering economic growth. He called for resilient, inclusive education systems that reflect Africa’s diverse cultures and challenges, asserting that lifelong learning is essential for equipping Africans of all ages with adaptable skills for today’s rapidly evolving world. Mr.Boudali encouraged collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector to build educational infrastructure and promote policies prioritising education across African nations.
Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, focused on the Commission’s commitment to education as a right essential to achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 vision. Citing education as a tool for societal transformation, Hon.Lumbu stressed the importance of investing in education to create a prosperous Africa guided by sustainable development. He highlighted various resolutions the Commission has adopted to support educational access and quality, urging member states to allocate budgetary resources to this cause and to report on their progress to the Commission.
H.E. Ambassador Andre Nzapayeke, Dean of African Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa, brought a message of solidarity that celebrated Africa’s progress toward democracy, rule of law, and respect for human and people’s rights. He acknowledged the recent advancements in democratic governance, with Botswana as a shining example, and emphasized that African leaders must continue prioritising these values to foster peace and stability across the continent.
Amb.Nzapayeke expressed optimism about the AU’s recent inclusion in the G20, urging African leaders to use this platform strategically to amplify Africa's voice on the global stage. He emphasised that this opportunity should be leveraged to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and enhance economic integration across the continent. Nzapayeke noted that peace and security are critical prerequisites for Africa's development, underscoring that economic growth and unity must remain at the forefront of Africa's agenda if the continent is to realize its full potential.
The Parliament also welcomed a message from Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora, who reflected on the historical connection between Africa and its diaspora, now formally recognised as the “continent’s sixth region”. Dr. Tin highlighted the economic and cultural potential of the African diaspora and expressed the diaspora's willingness to contribute to Africa’s development through financing for smart cities, healthcare, and education. He called for enhanced pan-African unity and collaboration, advocating for the inclusion of the diaspora's voice in the Pan-African Parliament and support for restitution of African cultural treasures taken during colonial times.
