Category: Africa

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Youth Charter Issues Global Call to Action at United Nations (UN) 80th Assembly and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Milano Cortina Summit

Source: APO


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The Youth Charter (YC) (www.YouthCharter.org), an international charity and UN NGO, has issued a Global Call to Action on Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) following the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York and the IOC Milano Cortina 2026 Summit in Italy. 

The statement urges world leaders, governments, and sporting bodies to strengthen the role of sport in addressing today’s most urgent crises – armed conflict, climate change, inequality, and the lack of representation in leadership. 

Renewed Urgency 

At the UNGA, world leaders reaffirmed that “sport is an important enabler of sustainable development”, while the IOC reiterated its commitment to unity and peace ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The Youth Charter calls for these commitments to be translated into action: 

  • Embedding sport systematically in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and humanitarian response. 
  • Scaling Community Campus Models that combine safe spaces, education, sport, and digital engagement. 
  • Strengthening the UN–IOC Accord with annual reviews at future UN Assemblies, ensuring progress is measured against the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Geoff Thompson, Youth Charter Founder and Chair, said: 

“At a time of global conflict, division, and climate crisis, sport remains one of the few universal tools that can bring people together, heal communities, and empower young people. The Youth Charter is calling for a bold renewal of the UN–IOC Accord so that every Assembly strengthens, rather than repeats, commitments to peace through sport.” 

Key Proposals 

  • UN–IOC Accord Strengthened: Annual reviews at each UNGA with accountability measures. 
  • Sport & Peacebuilding Task Force: A new UN mechanism to embed sport in conflict and humanitarian agendas. 
  • Community Campus Expansion: Scaling evidence-based models to empower youth and communities worldwide. 
  • Gender & Climate Action: Ensuring women, girls, and environmental sustainability are central to all sport for development initiatives. 

A Global Youth Call 

The Youth Charter, marking over 30 years of advocacy since its founding alongside Nelson Mandela’s 1993 visit to Manchester, continues to champion the role of young people as agents of change. The Global Call to Action invites governments, the IOC, UN agencies, and civil society partners to join a renewed global movement for peace through sport. 

Full Position Paper: Youth Charter Global Call to Action on Sport for Development and Peace (https://apo-opa.co/4pUw1Kc)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags: 
#InternationalOlympicCommittee 
#Olympism 
#Fight4theStreets 
#YoungLivesLost 
#Call2Action 
#LegacyOpportunity4All 
#SportDevelopmentPeace 
#Empowerthenextgeneration 
#CommonwealthSecretariat 
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals 

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. 
Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. 

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Africa Stakes Its Claim as Global Energy Player at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

Source: APO

Africa is seeking to move beyond being a raw material supplier and establish itself as a critical energy player, government leaders said at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, highlighting investment opportunities, energy transition based on domestic resources, and the need for predictable policies for investors.

Anatole Collinet Makosso, Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, said the continent must leverage its vast oil and gas resources – as well as solar, geothermal and wind potential – to drive development. “Without energy justice, energy transition is an illusion,” he said. “To offer clean, affordable and reliable energy is not an option – it’s an imperative. Our need for development cannot be sacrificed. We need to support energy transition fully, but it must be based on our gas and petroleum resources.”

Makosso highlighted key projects including Eni’s Congo LNG initiative, the recently licensed deepwater Nzombo block, the Banga Kayo gas monetization project and Perenco’s ongoing modernization and drilling works to extend field lifespans. “These initiatives are part of the national and continental strategy. Africa must no longer be considered as a provider of raw materials – it must be considered as a critical energy player,” he said. He called the continent “the investment opportunity of the century,” stressing that the goal is not merely to attract capital but to build a competitive, sovereign Africa.

Nigeria’s Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), outlined measures the country has taken to boost investor confidence and expand production, including an Executive Order signed earlier this year to reduce production costs. The sector overhaul has already spurred significant activity, including $5 billion in new Shell investment in Bonga North, planned investments in Bonga Southwest and other deepwater projects, and the restructuring of state-owned NNPC into a commercially viable company. “Investors want predictability, efficiency and incentives, as well as alignment between stakeholders and industry,” he said.

Lokpobiri also pointed to successes from asset divestments as evidence of Nigeria’s growing strategic role. “The companies that acquired IOC assets – Renaissance acquiring Shell’s onshore and shallow-water assets, Seplat acquiring ExxonMobil’s, Oando acquiring Eni’s – between the time the divestments were enabled and today, we have increased production by at least 200,000 barrels per day. That shows that divestment was the right decision,” he said.

Looking ahead, Lokpobiri urged Africa to capture more of global oil and gas capital expenditure, and to “transition from being net importer to strategic value creator.” He also emphasized the need for partnerships rather than energy abandonment: “No continent or country is slowing down. What is needed is to reduce emissions, not abandon any form of energy, and what we need from the West is partnership.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Second application window for Junior Mining Exploration Fund now open

Source: Government of South Africa

Second application window for Junior Mining Exploration Fund now open

The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Council for Geoscience and the Industrial Development Corporation have opened the second window for applications for the Junior Mining Exploration Fund (JMEF).

The fund has been allocated some R240 million for those seeking funding in mining.

“Among other objectives, the JMEF fund enables eligible South African junior mining businesses to access funding so they can conduct prospecting work, increase junior miners’ access to mine ore bodies and promote economic inclusion that will support equitable economic growth,” the three entities said in a joint statement.

The terms of reference have been revised but critical requirements are that the applicants must be junior miners with a valid prospecting or mining right and the applicant’s requirements should exceed R10 million and be capped at a maximum of R50 million.

Other terms of reference require applicants to use funding for the following activities:

  • Early stage discovery exploration activities (detailed activities to be outlined by CGS and agreed between all parties).

Example of services that can be considered by the fund:

  • Drilling and logging.
  • Rock sample analysis.
  • Geophysics surveys.
  • Geochemistry studies.
  • Geo-tech assessment.
  • Geohydrological studies.
  • Environmental studies.
  • Other requisite geo expertise that may include data interpretation and consolidation into a Competent Persons Report (CPR).

Examples of other advanced exploration activities include further resource definition, geotechnical studies, metallurgical testing, environmental-impact assessments, permitting and regulatory compliance and feasibility studies.

Targeted minerals for the second round of applications include tin, tungsten, copper, lithium, titanium, uranium, gold, antimony, arsenic and fluorspar.

The fund will prioritise the greenstone belts for gold and antimony. However, all gold/antimony exploration projects are welcome to apply.

First round

The first window of applications saw some R160 million allocated to eligible applicants.

“Eight applicants drawn from sections of the sector and spread across the country successfully applied for funding, which was duly disbursed. 

“Established in 2023, the JMEF forms part of South Africa’s mineral exploration strategy, whose objective is to, among others, attract exploration investment, reignite mineral development, accelerate new mineral discoveries, while encouraging optimal utilisation of the country’s mineral resources,” the statement read.

Application forms can be found at https://www.idc.co.za/junior-mining/.

The application window opened on 30 September 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Madlanga Commission appoints Adv Chaskalson SC as chief evidence leader

Source: Government of South Africa

Madlanga Commission appoints Adv Chaskalson SC as chief evidence leader

The Madlanga Commission has announced that Advocate Terry Motau SC has stepped down from his role as Chief Evidence Leader.

Commission spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, said Motau has left the commission “on good terms” with Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC appointed to that position.

“The Commission is grateful for the service Adv Motau SC rendered. The Commission will not be discussing this matter any further as it can only serve to distract it from the task at hand,” Michaels said.

Furthermore, the commission is intently focused on its work.

“The Commission’s priority is to ensure that it is squarely focussed on the job as outlined in the terms of reference, which is to conduct an inquiry into and make ‘actionable recommendations’ regarding the gravely serious allegations that South Africa’s law enforcement agencies have been infiltrated and unduly influenced by criminal syndicates and drug cartels.

“The work of the Commission is critically important for the rule of law in South Africa, and we will continue to vigorously pursue our mission in the interests of the country,” Michaels said.
 – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB

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CSIR celebrates 80 years with conference on sustainable innovation

Source: Government of South Africa

CSIR celebrates 80 years with conference on sustainable innovation

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity within the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is celebrating 80 years of touching lives through innovation.

To celebrate this milestone, the council will host its 9th Biennial Conference from 8-10 October 2025, at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. 

The theme of the conference will be: “Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Sustainable Future.” 

This event is organised in collaboration with the Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community (G-STIC), which is led by the Belgian Research and Technology Organisation (VITO).

The conference will be held in conjunction with the 8th G-STIC Conference, making it G-STIC’s first conference on the African continent.

The G-STIC Conference aligns with a decision made 10 years ago by the global community to adopt Agenda 2030 and its associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – an ambitious global action programme aimed at steering the world towards a more economically sustainable, socially equitable and environmentally sound development path.

“For over eight decades, the CSIR has been a catalyst for innovation – advancing industrial development, strengthening state capabilities, and improving lives across South Africa,” said CEO of the CSIR, Dr Thulani Dlamini. 

He believes that the gathering will serve as a dynamic platform to showcase the CSIR’s excellence in science, technology, and innovation, spanning more than 12 key sectors of the South African economy. 

“It also highlights our enduring commitment to driving sustainable development and shaping a future that is inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven,” he added. 

The conference will be attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including science experts, academics, government and industry leaders, and members of the public, all coming together to explore how research, development and innovation (RD&I) can be leveraged to strengthen and grow the local and global economy.

The discussions and exhibitions that will be presented during the conference will emphasise the critical role that RD&I plays in driving sustainable economic development and fostering innovation across various sectors.

“Bringing G-STIC to Africa for the first time is a recognition of the continent’s growing role in shaping global innovation for sustainable development. Together with the CSIR and DSTI, we aim to strengthen partnerships that accelerate the deployment of transformative technologies and create solutions that matter both locally and globally,” said General Manager G-STIC, Dietrich Van der Weken. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile

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Postbank affirms Master Services Agreement with SASSA still in place

Source: Government of South Africa

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Postbank has announced that its Master Services Agreement (MSA) with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) remains firmly in place. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Postbank said this agreement will continue unchanged until an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted and has deliberated on the matter.

“This brings certainty and reassurance to millions of social grant beneficiaries, who will continue to use their Postbank Black Cards and SASSA Gold Cards with confidence, enjoying uninterrupted access to their grants and associated banking benefits. 

“Postbank reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of beneficiaries, by ensuring their continued access to their social grants, which form an essential part of South Africa’s Constitutional promise of social protection for all its citizens,” the statement read. 

The bank said it will continue to stand firmly with beneficiaries, safeguarding their welfare and access to dignified, safe and reliable banking services. 

For more information beneficiaries can contact Postbank’s Customer Contact Center on 0800 53 54 55. – SAnews.gov.za

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Western Cape hosts Disaster Resilience Summit 

Source: Government of South Africa

Enhancing capacity to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters and other systemic challenges is at the fore of the Western Cape provincial government’s two-day summit.

Held at the Marriott Hotel Crystal Towers in Century City, the Disaster Resilience Summit unites leaders from government, academia, municipalities, and the private sector to collaboratively develop practical, locally relevant solutions for building resilient communities.

Opening the event on Tuesday in partnership with Santam, Anton Bredell, the Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, emphasised the need for urgent action.

“We must shift decisively from reactive disaster management to proactive risk reduction. That is our task, and that is our responsibility.

“Resilience planning allows us to anticipate risks rather than merely respond to them after the fact,” said Bredell. 

The MEC also pointed to compelling international evidence underscoring the economic and social value of resilience investments.

According to the World Bank, every US$1 invested in making infrastructure disaster-resilient in developing countries saves an estimated US$4 in avoided economic losses. 

In addition, the Global Commission on Adaptation has found that strengthening early warning systems can reduce hazard-related damage by up to 30%. 

“When we invest in anticipatory action and stronger social safety nets, communities recover faster and emerge stronger,” Bredell added.

The MEC believes that the summit is an important milestone in the province’s efforts to promote a comprehensive disaster risk reduction agenda. 

This agenda aims to ensure that the Western Cape is better equipped to handle climate risks, protect livelihoods, and safeguard vulnerable communities. 

This initiative is aligned with this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, which carries the global theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

The summit’s programme focuses on five key areas, including climate risk and infrastructure resilience, integrated disaster risk management and early warning systems, community-based adaptation and social resilience, governance, financing and institutional readiness, as well as data, innovation, and digital resilience tools.

These will be explored through high-level panels, technical workshops, and a marketplace of municipal innovations showcasing practical solutions.

Head of Department for Local Government, Graham Paulse, highlighted the province’s collaborative approach. 

This summit is not just a conversation – it’s a commitment to action. We are here to identify implementable projects that will make our municipalities safer, smarter, and more responsive.”

Head of Strategy and Investor Relations at Santam, Thabiso Rulashe, reaffirmed the role of partnerships and said building resilience is a shared responsibility that requires an all-of-society approach. 

“As South Africa’s leading general insurer, we are committed to working alongside government and municipalities to close existing gaps, strengthen local capacity, and support practical initiatives such as our Partnership for Risk and Resilience programme, which has already reached more than 29 million people since 2012,” Rulashe added. 

The summit is expected to deliver a practical set of outputs, including case studies, policy recommendations, and investment pathways, that will inform future planning, budgeting, and programme design at provincial and municipal levels. – SAnews.gov.za

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Equatorial Guinea to Launch EG Ronda Licensing Round in April 2026

Source: APO

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development Antonio Oburu Ondo announced that the country’s next licensing round will be launched in April 2026 at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference on Monday. The country is finalizing timelines for the licensing round and is inviting companies to participate. Up to 24 blocks will be available for exploration, covering a variety of acreage from offshore to onshore blocks.

The announcement was made during a session on Equatorial Guinea’s New Exploration Drive, hosted by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development of Equatorial Guinea. The upcoming round forms part of the country’s national strategy to accelerate upstream growth, attract fresh investment and unlock offshore exploration and production opportunities, and complements the country’s open-door licensing policy launched in 2023.

“The Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development invites all companies worldwide to participate in the 2026 licensing round. Since 2023, we have been able to sign seven new PSCs, have recently staged a multi-billion deal with ConocoPhillips, and today, we have Block 29 and 28 under negotiation. This is a result of the open-door policy. Join us in developing these vast resources for the benefit of our country,” stated Minister Ondo.

During the session, investors gained access to detailed geological data, including structural, stratigraphic and prospectivity insights into Equatorial Guinea’s offshore basins. According to Roberto Blanco, CEO of Perceptum, “There is something here for every company portfolio. When you see the geology Equatorial Guinea has to offer, historically, you see that out of 118 exploration wells, 79 have demonstrated hydrocarbons. Yet, we have very little exploration and we hope that the licensing round will address that.”

To support investment through the EG 2026 Licensing Round, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development – in partnership with advisory firm Perceptum and GeoexMCG – is reprocessing more than 9,600 km² of seismic in the Rio Muni Basin. Complementing this initiative, Searcher Seismic is acquiring and reprocessing 2D and 3D seismic data in underexplored areas, delivering high-quality technical packages designed to enhance competitiveness and build investor confidence.

“With the licensing round due to open in April 2026, we have started reprocessing some seismic data, including all the 2D data so that companies can have a regional understanding of the petroleum systems. The EGW 98 and EGW05 Regional 2D’s are being reprocessed now through PSDM sequence and will be available April 2026 from Searcher,” explained Neil Hodgson, Vice President: Geoscience, Searcher.

Oscar Berniko, Director General, Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Equatorial Guinea, said that the country’s existing gas infrastructure will support upcoming investments. He said: “There are fantastic gas processing facilities that have been running for years in the country.” This offers security in terms of offtakers and exports, strengthening the long-term viability of investing in Equatorial Guinea.  

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mining Development has also been improving the regulatory and fiscal regime to attract investment. According to Jay Park, Director at Park Energy Law, “Important changes to the tax law have been made, with a 10% reduction in corporate income tax.”

Teresa Nnang, CEO, BlackStone, stated that “The opportunities are there, but we need to make sure we have the right channels to link the opportunities to the investors,” highlighting the role of consultancies in facilitating engagement.

Meanwhile, under efforts to diversify its economy, Equatorial Guinea is reforming its mining sector to attract investment and drive projects forward. Domingo Mba Esono, the country’s Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons, explained that “Mining is one of the sectors that we will focus on. We have started reforming the mining law and will be focusing on improving certain aspects to make it more competitive with a stable fiscal regime, tax incentives and clear royalties.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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A Afreximbank atribui uma linha de crédito Programa de Facilitação Comercial da Afreximbank (AFTRAF) de 100 milhões de dólares ao NBS Bank Plc, Malawi

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) assinou um acordo de facilitação com o NBS Bank Plc Malawi (NBS Bank) para fornecer ao NBS Bank uma linha de crédito de 100 milhões de dólares do Programa de Facilitação Comercial da Afreximbank (AFTRAF) para apoiar o crescente portfólio de financiamento ao comércio do banco e permitir que continue a satisfazer de forma eficaz as necessidades dos seus clientes comerciais. 

Assinado à margem da quarta Feira Intra-Africana de Comércio (IATF2025) pelo Sr. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-Presidente Executivo do Global Trade Bank, Afreximbank, e pela Sra. Temwani Simwaka, CEO do NBS Bank, o acordo de facilitação é estruturado para ajudar o NBS Bank a aumentar os seus volumes de comércio e a apoiar a importação de produtos essenciais, como fertilizantes, medicamentos e combustíveis para o Malawi. 

Comentando sobre a assinatura, o Sr. Haytham El Maayergi, Vice-Presidente Executivo do Global Trade Bank da Afreximbank, disse que a estrutura era uma demonstração do compromisso da Afreximbank em apoiar empresas e instituições financeiras africanas nativas para atender às necessidades nacionais. 

“This US$10“Esta instalação de 100 milhões de dólares é um dos maiores limites para a AFTRAF para um banco no Malawi,” disse o Sr. El Maayergi, acrescentando: “isso demonstra o compromisso da Afreximbank em apoiar as aspirações comerciais do Malawi como um de seus estados membros. Também demonstra a boa e duradoura relação que existe entre a Afreximbank e o grupo NBS/NICO.” 

A instalação está entre os maiores limites para o AFTRAF de um banco no Malawi”, disse o Sr. EL Maayergi, acrescentando que isso demonstra o compromisso da Afreximbank em apoiar as aspirações comerciais do Malawi como um dos seus estados membros. Também demonstra a boa e duradoura relação que existe entre a Afreximbank e o grupo NBS/NICO. 

Ele expressou confiança de que a infraestrutura permitiria ao NBS Bank apoiar as crescentes necessidades comerciais dos seus clientes, que visam apoiar e aumentar os volumes de comércio de commodities estratégicas em Moçambique, nomeadamente a importação de combustíveis, fertilizantes e produtos farmacêuticos, e também proporcionaria ao banco uma linha de confirmação a partir de dentro de África. 

O Sr. El Maayergi acrescentou que a instalação estava em conformidade com o mandato da Afreximbank de apoiar o comércio intra-africano e extra-africano. 

O programa AFTRAF aumenta a confiança das partes envolvidas na liquidação de transações comerciais internacionais e melhora as relações de banca correspondente ao apoiar importações críticas para a África, impulsionando o comércio intra-africano e facilitando a compra de equipamentos para a produção de bens de exportação. Ele oferece serviços de confirmação de comércio, garantias de confirmação de comércio e compromissos de reembolso irrevogáveis. 

Com a participação de mais de 112.000 visitantes de 132 países, a IATF2025, que ocorreu de 4 a 10 de setembro de 2025, encerrou-se com um resultado notável, com US$ 48,3 mil milhões em acordos comerciais e de investimento assinados durante os sete dias da exposição continental. O evento recebeu 2.148 expositores. 

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Afreximbank.

Contato de Imprensa: 
media@intrafricatradefair.com
press@afreximbank.com  

Sobre a Feira de Comércio Intra-Africana:
Organizado pelo Banco Africano de Exportação e Importação (Afreximbank), Comissão da União Africana (AUC) e Secretariado da Zona de Comércio Livre Continental Africana (AfCFTA), a Feira de Comércio Intra-Africana (IATF) pretende fornecer uma plataforma única para facilitar a troca de informações sobre comércio e investimento, em apoio ao aumento do comércio e investimento intra-africanos, especialmente no contexto da implementação do Acordo de Comércio Livre Continental Africano (AfCFTA). A IATF reúne actores continentais e globais para mostrar e exibir os seus produtos e serviços, e para explorar oportunidades de negócios e investimento no continente. Também oferece uma plataforma para partilhar informações sobre comércio, investimento e mercado com os intervenientes e permite que os participantes discutam e identifiquem soluções para os desafios que enfrentam o comércio e investimento intra-africanos. Além dos participantes africanos, a Feira também está aberta a empresas e investidores de países não africanos interessados em fazer negócios na África e em apoiar a transformação do continente através da industrialização e desenvolvimento das exportações. 

Para mais informações, visite www.IntrAfricanTradeFair.com. 

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Speaker calls for stronger youth role in global decision-making

Source: Government of South Africa

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has called for stronger youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms.

Didiza made the call on Monday at the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum, held under the theme: “Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

The two-day meeting, held from 29 – 30 September, brought together delegates from around the world, ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2025.

Didiza emphasised that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies. She highlighted the need to harness the energy, innovation, and perspectives of young leaders.

“Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges,” Didiza said.

While noting progress made, Didiza said young people continue to be under-represented in many legislatures worldwide.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73% of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30.

She said South Africa encourages youth participation in Parliament through political party processes and youth activism, which has ensured that the voices of young people are included in both Houses.

Didiza also highlighted several pressing issues confronting young people worldwide. These include persistently high levels of unemployment and poverty; the effects of conflict, instability, and migration, which disproportionately affect youth; the severe consequences of climate change, also burdening younger generations; and limited access to education, skills development, and digital opportunities.

The Speaker urged parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work, and access to technology, while also ensuring the responsible regulation of artificial intelligence.

“As we promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, we must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions we make today. It is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices,” Didiza said.

The Speaker further emphasised the need for solidarity and international cooperation to build inclusive economies and address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions.

“The actions and decisions we take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future,” she said.

The outcomes of this Summit will inform parliamentary deliberations on issues including unemployment, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in South Africa, the African continent, and the rest of the world. – SAnews.gov.za