Addressing the 10th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) gathered from 6-8 November 2024 in Brasilia, Brazil, Hon. Lucia Dos Passos, 3rd Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament, underscored the pivotal role that parliaments play in shaping a global governance structure suited to the complex challenges of the 21st century.
The P20 was created in 2010 and is led by Speakers and Presidents of the G20 countries' parliaments. The group aims to engage parliaments to strengthen global collaboration. The theme for this year’s Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit was “Parliaments for a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”. The Brasilia gathering was the second participation of the Pan-African Parliament since the African Union (AU) was officially admitted as a member of the G20 countries. The legislative arm of the AU has set out to represent and defend the interests of African citizens in this global platform.
Uniting Voices for Global Change
Leading the Pan-African Parliament delegation to this forum, Hon. Dos Passos told Speakers of G20 legislatures that Parliaments are the echoes of the people's aspirations. She highlighted that these essential bodies are instrumental in addressing critical global challenges including climate change, socio-economic and gender inequalities, migration, public health crises, terrorism, unconstitutional governments, and cybersecurity threats. “In a world where these challenges transcend borders, parliaments act as the custodians of democracy and advocates for humane governance policies,” she said.
The Pillars of Democratic Legitimacy
Hon. Dos Passos articulated that parliaments form the backbone of representative democracy, vital for legitimizing evolving global governance paradigms in today’s interconnected world. By ensuring that the voices of people resonate in international decision-making, parliaments fortify global agreements. "Our oversight is crucial; it brings transparency, legitimacy, and accountability to governance," she asserted.
Collaboration Beyond Borders
She emphasized the need for coordinated responses to transborder issues like climate change, epidemics, and terrorism. "These challenges recognize no boundaries," she noted, underscoring the power of collaboration. By ratifying international treaties and holding governments accountable, parliaments empower nations and enable them to navigate global challenges effectively.
Ensuring Accountability and Trust
Hon. Dos Passos concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of parliamentary committees and caucuses. Their focus on regular scrutiny, national contributions to international bodies, budget allocations, and the implementation of global commitments plays a pivotal role in enhancing transparency and accountability. Such efforts ensure that global institutions maintain public trust and operate efficiently in addressing the world's pressing issues.
G20 Speakers’ Summits (P20) aim to bring a parliamentary dimension to global governance, raise awareness, build political support for international commitments, and ensure that these are effectively translated into national realities. The Summits also seek to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation, enhance engagement between governments, parliaments and other stakeholders in the implementation of various G20 outcomes, and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
