Hon. Lúcia dos Passos Highlights the Crucial Role of Parliaments in 21st Century Governance

Third Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Hon. Lúcia dos Passos  has emphasized the transformative role of parliaments in adapting global governance to the evolving challenges of the 21st century. Hon. Passos stated this on Friday when she delivered a compelling address at the P20 Parliamentary forum held in Brasilia. She underscored the unique position parliaments hold in translating the will of the people into international decisions that shape a more equitable and resilient world.

The Voice of the People in Global Decision-Making

Hon. Dos Passos opened her address by highlighting the central role of parliaments in reflecting the aspirations of citizens worldwide. She argued that as global issues become more interconnected—spanning climate change, socio-economic and gender inequality, migration, public health, cybersecurity, and unconstitutional governments—the need for parliaments to represent public sentiment in international frameworks becomes more critical. By participating in treaty ratification, setting national agendas, and maintaining oversight, parliaments bring democratic legitimacy and transparency to global governance structures.

Legitimizing Global Governance

As "Anchors of Democratic Legitimacy," parliaments serve a foundational role in establishing accountability across global agreements, ensuring that public trust remains central to the functioning of international bodies. Hon. dos Passos elaborated on how parliamentary oversight extends to scrutinizing national contributions to international commitments, monitoring budget allocations, and enforcing regular reporting, which strengthens transparency and holds international institutions accountable to the people they serve.

Bridging National and Global Agendas

Dos Passos noted the importance of parliamentary committees and caucuses in aligning national legislation with global priorities. These platforms, she argued, focus on issues ranging from climate resilience and poverty alleviation to gender equality, health, and security, all critical to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. She pointed to inter-parliamentary organizations—including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Pan-African Parliament, the European Union, Parlatino, and Parlasur—as essential forums for cross-border legislative coordination and knowledge-sharing.

Embracing Technological Evolution

In the context of rapid technological advancements, dos Passos highlighted the responsibility of parliaments to legislate emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. She emphasized the role of parliaments in safeguarding democratic governance through regulation that supports technological progress without compromising public trust. Furthermore, she argued that technology provides a platform for enhancing governance transparency and for connecting citizens across borders, expanding participation in the global governance discourse.

Gender Equality and Parliamentary Diplomacy

With a forward-looking perspective, dos Passos spoke on the potential for the P20—the platform for parliamentary representatives of the G20—to champion gender equality through parliamentary diplomacy. She urged for the enactment of a Minimum Parity Law, aiming for a gender representation balance of 40/60% by 2030, as a means of fostering a more inclusive global political order. This focus on gender equality, she argued, not only empowers women within the legislative process but also strengthens democracy by broadening perspectives on pressing issues.

Concluding with Unity and Vision

Hon. dos Passos concluded her speech with a powerful call for unity among parliamentarians and urged them to embrace their role with commitment and clarity. As representatives of the people, parliaments stand as pillars of a more participatory and humane global governance. Her rallying cry, "One Africa, One Voice," captured her vision for a world where parliamentary cooperation paves the way for a just, democratic, and sustainable global future.

Through this address, Hon. Lúcia dos Passos underscored the indispensable role of parliaments in addressing the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century, emphasizing that it is through collaborative and accountable governance that a resilient global society can be achieved.