Historic P20 Summit Opens in South Africa With Call for Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability

Parliament today welcomed parliamentary leaders from G20 member states to the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) with a call to action for parliaments to advance the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.”

This marks the first time this prestigious gathering has been hosted on the African continent.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, hailed the occasion as a “historic milestone” and urged parliamentarians to harness parliamentary diplomacy to address shared global challenges. She emphasised that the Summit’s theme, “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” calls for collective leadership in tackling the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising conflict, climate change, and deepening inequalities.

The Speaker said that hosting the P20 Summit reflects Parliament’s and the country’s commitment to ensuring that African perspectives are included in global deliberations. “Parliamentarians are not only guardians of democracy but also architects of inclusive development.”

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi told delegates that the Summit is “a call to action for the parliaments of the G20 to advance the principles of solidarity, equality and sustainability.”

While highlighting the important role of parliaments as institutional anchors of democracy, Minister Kubayi also reminded delegates that parliaments have the responsibility to give voice to the diversity of society, including women, youth and minorities. They also have a responsibility to align national frameworks with global commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and international human rights standards, and to ensure that governments implement and adequately finance these commitments.

“Beyond being chambers of debate, parliaments serve as the bridge between citizen and state,” she said. “For global solidarity to have practical meaning, it must be translated into employment, healthcare, education, and a decent quality of life.”

The Minister also emphasised the importance of women’s representation in the global climate response and welcomed the outcomes of the P20 Meeting of Women Parliamentarians. She urged delegates of the Speakers’ Summit to now also craft a forward-looking declaration that would turn hope into action.

Delivering the closing remarks of the opening session, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed her gratitude to all delegates and partners. She acknowledged the calls from youth delegates to embrace technological innovation and from women parliamentarians to advance financial reforms for a just energy transition, as climate change disproportionately affects women.

“As we anticipate the dialogue ahead, the expectations of our people are clear,” she said. “The outcomes of this Summit must be translated into tangible development goals. Let this Summit strengthen our resolve to shape the future from a position of unity and inclusivity.”

Hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, the Summit will address key issues including climate and energy transition, debt sustainability, disaster resilience, the role of critical minerals in inclusive growth, and the empowerment of youth and women.