The Pan-African Parliament has been urged to contribute meaningfully to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 during the official opening of the Sitting of its Permanent Committees and other Parliamentary organs in Midrand, South Africa. Representatives from member states, African Union (AU) sister organs, and partners, delivering messages of solidarity, called on the continental Parliament to address pressing challenges and form strategic alliances that will position Africa as a major player in the global economy.
The Sitting is organized under the African Union's 2024 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.”
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse. It is the continent’s strategic framework, aimed at achieving inclusive and sustainable development, and is a tangible expression of the Pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity under the banners of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance.
Agenda 2063 outlines Africa’s aspirations for the future and identifies key Flagship Programmes that can boost the continent’s economic growth and development, leading to its rapid transformation. It also specifies key activities in its 10-year Implementation Plans, designed to ensure that Agenda 2063 delivers both quantitative and qualitative transformational outcomes for the people of Africa.
“The critical role of education is at the heart of the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063’s seven aspirations. As the premier strategic blueprint for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse, Agenda 2063 emphasizes education through the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016–2025 (CESA 16-25), with inclusivity and sustainability as key factors in promoting social and economic progress, regional integration, democratic governance, and peace,” said Rt. Hon. Roger Mancienne, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles and the SADC Parliamentary Forum, in his Solidarity Remarks to the Pan-African Parliament. He noted that education is pivotal to achieving sustainable development and enhancing human capital.
Hon. Ali Hassan Bahdon, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Republic of Djibouti, also praised the Pan-African Parliament for keeping the legacy of Pan-Africanism alive.
“Our youth understand where we come from, thanks to this Parliament. Our country is committed to working with the Pan-African Parliament to fulfill the aspirations of our citizens. For a stable continent, we must respect human rights, promote peace, prioritize security, and decolonize our education. If we take control of our educational systems across the continent, we will win the fight for a better future for our people,” he said.
Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the Banjul Commission, highlighted the complementary roles played by the Pan-African Parliament and the Commission in advancing and defending human rights. “The Commission has a vested interest in the fruitful discussions expected to take place throughout the week, especially on human rights matters.”
H.E. Lady Justice Imani D. Aboud, President of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights, commended the Pan-African Parliament for its progressive collaboration.
“We applaud the Pan-African Parliament for complementing our efforts across the continent. The continental Parliament has tirelessly contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights. We are committed to continuing our collaboration with the Pan-African Parliament.”
Meanwhile, a Palestinian Ambassador expressed appreciation for the Pan-African Parliament's unwavering support for the people of Gaza.
“We appreciate the role played by the African Parliament and South Africa. You have never abandoned us, and we are grateful for South Africa’s historic role in taking Israel to court for its aggressive stance towards the people of Palestine,” he said
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