President of the Pan African Parliament Chief Fortune Charumbira
By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
The Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament, currently underway in Midrand, South Africa, was officially opened this Monday, with speakers committing to cooperate and collaborate for the attainment of the African development agenda.
President of the Pan-African Parliament, His Excellency Chief Fortune Zephaniah Charumbira, presided over the event, while H.E. Igor Sergeyenko, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, was the Guest of Honour.
Running from October 28 to November 15, 2024, the session is being held under the theme “Educating an Africa Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Success in Inclusive, Quality, and Relevant Lifelong Learning in Africa.”
This Session aims to discuss strategies for strengthening education systems across the continent, making them more resilient and inclusive.
The Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to promoting education, cooperation, and development aligns closely with the Agenda 2063 objectives of transforming Africa through knowledge and empowerment.
In attendance were high-level dignitaries, including Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, Prime Minister of the SOAD Parliament; H.E. Roger Mancienne, Speaker of the Southern African Development Community; Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights; and Hon. Anna Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Republic of South Africa.
H.E. Igor Sergeyenko told attendants that the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus was ready to cooperate closely with the Pan-African Parliament. He praised the parliament’s efforts to implement Agenda 2063.
“The African continent is becoming a new center of power. We understand that the strength of nations lies not in capital, military power, or ambitions, but in true values, the desire for justice, and faith in oneself,” he said.
Agenda 2063, a strategic framework created by the African Union, envisions a prosperous and integrated Africa by 2063. Its goals emphasize inclusive growth, sustainable development, good governance, and peace across the continent.
The Pan-African Parliament plays a key role in promoting Agenda 2063, using its platform to foster unity, mobilize resources, and push forward critical initiatives aimed at achieving the continent’s long-term development goals.
As the only legislative body of the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament was established to ensure African voices are heard on the continent’s most pressing issues.
It provides a platform for dialogue and legislative collaboration, enabling representatives from African countries to address challenges collectively.
Through its legislative influence, the parliament seeks to implement policies that promote integration and solidarity across member states.
The Pan-African Parliament remains committed to building a unified and empowered Africa, using these sessions to further its goals of enhancing democracy, human rights, and socio-economic development across the continent.
The session has been organized in distinct phases to ensure comprehensive planning and effective deliberation. Pre-session preparatory meetings took place from October 28 to November 3, 2024, setting the groundwork for the main Fourth Ordinary Session, which runs from November 4 to 15, 2024, focusing on strengthening educational resilience across Africa.
Post-session meetings are scheduled from November 16 to 17, 2024, to review outcomes and strategize the implementation of key resolutions.
