The
Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union, will
host a series of important events at its precincts in Midrand, South Africa,
from 13th to 20th September 2024. These gatherings, which form part
of the Sitting of the Permanent Committees and Other Organs of the
Pan-African Parliament, will be conducted 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.”
The
Sitting will bring together key stakeholders, including parliamentarians,
African Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa, Clerks of
Parliament, Speakers of Regional and National Parliament, and various caucuses
to deliberate on critical issues shaping Africa’s legislative landscape. The
focus will be on building resilient, inclusive, and relevant education systems
while advancing the PAP’s legislative and oversight functions.
Key Events and Dates
1. Meeting
of the 6th Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (9th
– 10th September 2024)
The 6th Bureau, comprising the President and Vice Presidents of the Pan-African
Parliament, will meet to set the agenda for the upcoming Sitting, addressing
key policy matters and providing strategic direction for the PAP's legislative
work.
2. Meeting
with African Ambassadors in South Africa (11th September 2024)
This meeting will foster dialogue between the PAP and African ambassadors based
in South Africa, focusing on enhancing diplomatic collaboration and ensuring
that the voices of the continent’s diplomats contribute to the PAP’s
legislative deliberations.
3. Joint
Meeting of the Pan-African Parliament Bureauxes (12th
September 2024)
Members of various PAP bureaux will meet to discuss the progress of
parliamentary initiatives, assess existing policies, and harmonize efforts
across different bodies of the Parliament.
4. Workshop
on Results-Based Management (RBM) for Parliamentarians (13th –
14th September 2024)
A two-day workshop aimed at
equipping parliamentarians with the skills and tools needed to adopt
Results-Based Management (RBM) in their legislative duties. This
capacity-building initiative seeks to enhance accountability, improve the
effectiveness of legislative work, and focus on measurable outcomes.
5. Meetings
of the Permanent Committees: 16th – 20th September 2024
The heart of the Sitting, these committee meetings will bring together members
to address thematic areas ranging from education and human resources to
international relations, health, justice, and agriculture. PAP has eleven
Permanent Committees whose functions align with the African Union’s broader
strategic objectives. Each committee will meet to review progress, propose
legislative amendments, and debate key issues pertinent to Africa’s
development.
6. Meeting
of Clerks of Parliament (17th September 2024)
Clerks from national parliaments across Africa will gather to discuss
administrative matters, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration
among African parliaments to improve legislative efficiency.
7. Conference
of Speakers of Parliament (18th – 20th September 2024)
This conference will provide a platform for Speakers of Regional and National
Parliaments across Africa to deliberate on enhancing parliamentary diplomacy,
strengthening legislative collaboration, and improving governance frameworks
within their respective countries.
8. Women
Caucus Meeting (20th September 2024)
The Women Caucus will convene to discuss gender equality and women's empowerment
in Africa, focusing on strategies for promoting inclusive policies that address
the needs and rights of women across the continent.
9. Caucus on
Youth Meeting (20th September 2024)
Youth representatives will meet to discuss policies and programs aimed at
empowering Africa’s young population, addressing issues such as education,
employment, and participation in governance.
Background: The Pan-African Parliament’s Permanent Committees
The PAP’s
eleven Permanent Committees play a pivotal role in the Parliament's
legislative work, ensuring that various sectors of African society are
adequately represented and legislated for. These committees meet twice a year
and are composed of members designated by the five Regional Caucuses of the
PAP, ensuring regional and gender balance.
Key
committees include:
- Committee on
Education, Culture, Tourism, and Human Resources: Will play a
central role in discussions around the 2024 AU theme on education.
- Committee on
Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution: Focused on
fostering peace and cooperation across Africa.
- Committee on
Gender, Family, Youth, and People with Disabilities: Addresses
issues of inclusion and equality.
- Committee on
Monetary and Financial Affairs: Concerned with economic policy,
fiscal matters, and financial governance.
- Committee on
Health, Labour, and Social Affairs: Will discuss matters related to
public health, labor rights, and social protections.
Each
committee will address critical issues within their mandates, providing recommendations
for legislative improvements and coordinating efforts with the African Union’s
broader strategies.
A Platform for Shaping Africa's Future
The Sitting
of the Permanent Committees and Other Organs of the Pan-African Parliament represents
a significant platform for African legislators, diplomats, and policymakers to
collaborate on policies that will shape the future of the continent. With a
central focus on education and the development of resilient systems that
promote lifelong learning, the Sitting is poised to contribute to Africa's
progress in achieving inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
This upcoming Sitting promises to be an essential milestone in reinforcing the legislative framework necessary to achieve the goals set by the African Union and its Member States.
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