Address climate crisis – VP

ARUSHA: VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango has urged African parliaments to take decisive action on pressing issues such as food insecurity, climate change and youth unemployment.

Speaking at the opening of the 53rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Regional Annual Conference, Dr Mpango emphasised the crucial role of parliaments in addressing these existential threats, “Addressing these pressing challenges, which threaten the socio-political and economic stability of Africa, requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders”, said Dr Mpango.

He emphasised the crucial role of parliaments in utilising their legislative, budgetary and oversight powers to tackle these issues effectively.

Dr Mpango said the theme of the conference, “African Parliaments at the Forefront of Addressing Existential Global Challenges: Food Insecurity, Climate Change and Youth Employment,” was timely and relevant.

“Despite Africa’s vast agricultural potential, food insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues. Millions of our people still go hungry with an estimation of 61 per cent of the population in the continent face both moderate and severe food insecurity, which is more than twice that of the global level, estimated at 29.6 per cent,” he said.

In this regard, he said the strategic role of parliaments is to urge and vote for enhanced public investments in agriculture and supportive sectors, in terms of budgetary resources for increased supply, access to farm inputs, infrastructure and services.

On the climate front, Dr Mpango warned that Africa, though contributing less than five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces disproportionate impacts from climate change, including severe droughts, crop failures and flooding.

In this regard, Dr Mpango said parliaments and parliamentarians are duty bound to ensure that concrete measures are taken by governments and other stakeholders to address the climate crisis through implementation of robust mitigation and adaptation measures, including adoption of green technologies.

He added that African parliaments should champion robust climate action by ensuring budgetary allocations for environmental protection, hastening the ratification of international agreements like the Paris Accord and promoting green technologies.

Addressing youth unemployment, he said Africa’s youthful population is both a challenge and an opportunity, calling on parliaments to advocate for policies that create jobs, support youth entrepreneurship and invest in education and training reforms.

Tanzania, he said, has already implemented several initiatives to address these challenges, such as the Kilimo Kwanza and Building a Better Tomorrow programme, which focus on modernising agriculture and creating jobs for young people.

He said African parliaments have unique position in spearheading effort to address the global challenges and build more sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

President of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr Tulia Ackson, said the conference marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts to foster parliamentary democracy and strengthen regional cooperation.

Dr Tulia said over the coming days, they will engage in meaningful discussions, workshops and committee meetings to strengthen legislative frameworks, promote good governance and ensure sustainable development across member states.

“As we deliberate on the strategies to combat food insecurity, tackle climate change and empower our youth, let us stay anchored in the belief that somebody must take a step to do it, because it is possible.

And I would urge you to be that somebody who has to take a step,” said Dr Tulia who is also the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania.

Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region, Catherine Gotani Hara said the conference theme, focuses on critical issues which were discussed at the executive committee in Kwazulu-Natal in April this year. “Despite the time since those discussions, these challenges remain urgent,” she said.

Ms. Hara said food insecurity continues to affect millions in Africa, exacerbated by climate change, conflict and poor agricultural investment. “Parliament must lead in shaping policies for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

Climate change, despite Africa’s minimal contribution to global emissions, has devastating impacts. Parliament should advocate for climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy investment and adaptation strategies,” she said.

She added, “Together, we can and we will position Africa’s Parliament at the forefront of meaningful change, championing the well-being of our people, protecting our environment and creating a future where our youth can look forward to endless possibilities filled with hope and opportunity.”

Secretary General of CPA, Stephen Twigg said for over 30 years CPA has pushed for recognition as an international inter-parliamentary organisation in the United Kingdom.

“This year, progress has been made, with a Bill addressing CPA status included in the UK government’s legislative agenda in the King’s Speech, the Bill has already passed key stages in the House of Lords and will soon move to the House of Commons, with final approval expected in 2025,” he said.

Mr. Twigg further said the new legal status will allow Commonwealth parliaments to have a stronger voice in global bodies, including the United Nations.

He said CPA has also worked on initiatives like online parliamentary training, benchmarks for democratic legislatures and promoting gender equality, with workshops held in Tanzania and Nigeria.

Additionally, he said a capital investment fund supports making parliaments more accessible, with successful applications from several African countries.

The Secretary General further said next year, the CPA will begin consultations for its strategic plan for 2026-2030, its first under the new legal status, he called for participation and expressed optimism about future meetings in Sydney.