STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 11TH OCTOBER 2023

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

The SADC Parliamentary Forum presents its congenial compliments to its Member Parliaments and partners and is pleased to keenly commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child on this 11th  October 2023.

On this day, the Forum recognises the significant importance of empowering girl children in Africa through adequate food, shelter, health care and education to ensure that they become the leaders of tomorrow. The Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 which is premised in large part on gender equality also implies that girl children must be treated equally, and without discrimination with regards to boys who are often offered better chances and opportunities in life.

Dear Colleagues/partners,

I have the immense contentment to release this Statement to the Forum’s Member Parliaments and partners in  view of celebrating the  International Day of Democracy 2023.

On this day, it is essential to recognise that democracy is the single most important pillar for human development. Democracy provides the necessary space for human rights to be progressively implemented and enables the protection of minorities. Democracy is the only form of governance which bestows credence to the will of the people and allows citizens to freely choose their elected representatives to advance their interests within parliaments. Parliaments which embody democracy then provide a framework for accountability and for checks and balances to be exercised on the Government of the day. Whilst Parliaments derive their mandate from the democratic framework, a strong democracy logically translates into a robust Parliament.

PROGRAMME  - MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF CLERKS/SECRETARIES GENERAL OF MEMBER PARLIAMENTS

 26^TH – 27^TH AUGUST  2023

“SETTING OUT A ROADMAP FOR PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AT NATIONAL LEVEL” 

VENUE: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

 10-Concept-Note-and-Programme

 CONCEPT NOTE - MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF CLERKS/SECRETARIES GENERAL OF MEMBER PARLIAMENTS

 26^TH – 27^TH AUGUST  2023

“SETTING OUT A ROADMAP FOR PARLIAMENTARY PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AT NATIONAL LEVEL”

VENUE: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

 10-Concept-Note-and-Programme

 1.0    INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND

The Committee of Clerks/Secretaries General of Member Parliaments is an institutional organ of the SADC-PF established under Article 10(1)(f) of the Forum’s Constitution and guided by Rules 20A-20F of the Rules of Procedure. Since its inception, the Committee has evolved into a robust advisory platform which proficiently engages on topics of administrative interest that are referred to it by the Executive Committee. In this regard, the Committee has successfully advised the Forum organs that are vested with administrative tasks including the Secretariat, the Executive Committee and by extension, the Plenary Assembly as the main policy-organ of the SADC-PF.

Joint SADC PF-SAYoF Statement on International Youth Day 2023

Dear Colleagues/Partners,

It is with great pleasure that we release this inaugural joint statement to partners in view of celebrating the International Youth Day on this 12th August 2023.

This is to recognise that the youth of Africa is ready to embrace the emerging challenges and opportunities that the region has to offer. Yet, the youth need the conducive policy and legal environment necessary to grow and evolve into the best version of themselves.

The SADC RISDP & Social Accountability in Public Resource Management

A National Dialogue for Non-State Actors – 28^th June 2023

Concept Note

Concept Note - The SADC RISDP & Social Accountability in Public Resource Management A National Dialogue for Non-State Actors – 28th June 2023

Statement delivered during the Official Opening ceremony marking the national engagement and Capacity Building high level session for Members of Parliament to promote the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Gender-Based Violence in the Republic of Malawi

21 ^st to 24 ^th June 2023

Salima, Malawi

STATEMENT DELIVERED DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY MARKING THE NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING HIGH LEVEL SESSION FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT TO PROMOTE THE DOMESTICATION OF THE SADC MODEL LAW ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE REPUBLIC OF MALA