Fellow African brothers and sisters!!
Today, as the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) turns 21, a symbol that the institution has come of age, we celebrate a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a more integrated and prosperous Africa that respects and upholds the aspirations of its citizenry. Over the past two decades, PAP has served as the sonorous voice of the African people, championing legislative harmonisation and advocating for people centred policies that drive the continent’s development.
As we step into our 21st year of existence, we do so with renewed impetus to promote democratic principles, consolidate democratic institutions and culture, entrench people-driven policy making, ensure good governance and promote peace, security and inclusive development on the continent in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Under this year’s theme, "The Pan-African Parliament at 21: Advancing Legislative Harmonisation for Africa’s Development," we reaffirm our mission to enhance continental integration through model law making, persuasive parliamentary diplomacy and effective oversight. The challenges facing our continent, chief among them, the escalation of conflicts in Eastern DRC and Sudan, demand unity, fortitude and an unstinting belief in Africa’s ability to find its own solutions to its challenges.
As we mark this important milestone, we call upon national and regional Parliaments, Regional Economic Communities, Member States, civil society, development partners and the African citizenry in general to continue working with us in building a stronger, more resilient Africa that remains attuned to the hopes, ideals and aspirations of its people.
Long live the Pan-African Parliament! Long live African unity! One Africa! One Voice!
H.E. Chief Fortune Z. Charumbira
President of the Pan-African Parliament
