Parliament of South Africa
Parliament of South Africa
04/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/15/2026 03:56
Media Statement: Speaker Didiza Emphasises Parliamentary Diplomacy’s Critical Role Ahead of IPU Assembly
A video of Speaker Didiza on this statement can be found on the following link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JEQslqmicdW-3-d1TWeiGWLjXiYbQHUO
Parliament, Wednesday, 15 April 2026 - The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has emphasised the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing South Africa's national interests and strengthening global cooperation ahead of the upcoming 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye from 15 to 19 April.
The IPU serves as a global platform that brings together parliaments from across the world to engage on key issues affecting societies, including democracy, governance, economic development and social progress. It also provides an opportunity for legislatures to share best practices and reinforce their oversight role in holding governments accountable to citizens.
Speaker Didiza highlighted that the Assembly, to be held under the overall theme: "Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations," takes place at a time of heightened global instability, with ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa continuing to disrupt peace and economic stability.
"These conflicts have far-reaching implications, not only for the regions directly affected, but also for global trade, energy security and development. As parliaments, we have a responsibility to use platforms such as the IPU to advance dialogue, promote peace and strengthen cooperation among nations," said Speaker Didiza.
She noted that conflicts involving Iran, Israel and the United States, as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and instability in Sudan and South Sudan, underscore the urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation.
The Speaker further emphasised the importance of leadership elections within the IPU, noting that the African region has previously made significant contributions, including the outgoing IPU President, Tanzania's Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, and the current Secretary General from Camerron, Dr Martin Chungong.
"As South Africa, we will advocate for leadership that reflects gender parity and inclusivity. It is important that both women and men are equally represented in leadership positions with global institutions," she said.
In addition, to governance matters, the Assembly will deliberate on critical thematic issues, including maternal health and the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaker Didiza underscored that while AI presents opportunities to enhance the work of parliaments, it also raises important considerations around regulation, privacy and the protection of citizens' rights.
"Parliaments must take the lead in developing appropriate legislative frameworks to govern the use of these technologies, ensuring that innovation is balanced with ethical considerations and the protection of human dignity," she said.
She also noted that the IPU will host capacity-building initiatives, including an online workshop (this month) aimed at equipping parliamentarians with knowledge and tools to effectively utilize artificial intelligence in legislative work.
Speaker Didiza concluded that South Africa's participation in the IPU Assembly reaffirms Parliament's commitment to strengthening democracy, promoting peace, and contributing to global solutions that improve the lives of citizens.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
Parliament, Wednesday, 15 April 2026 - The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, has emphasised the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing South Africa's national interests and strengthening global cooperation ahead of the upcoming 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye from 15 to 19 April.
The IPU serves as a global platform that brings together parliaments from across the world to engage on key issues affecting societies, including democracy, governance, economic development and social progress. It also provides an opportunity for legislatures to share best practices and reinforce their oversight role in holding governments accountable to citizens.
Speaker Didiza highlighted that the Assembly, to be held under the overall theme: "Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations," takes place at a time of heightened global instability, with ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe and parts of Africa continuing to disrupt peace and economic stability.
"These conflicts have far-reaching implications, not only for the regions directly affected, but also for global trade, energy security and development. As parliaments, we have a responsibility to use platforms such as the IPU to advance dialogue, promote peace and strengthen cooperation among nations," said Speaker Didiza.
She noted that conflicts involving Iran, Israel and the United States, as well as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and instability in Sudan and South Sudan, underscore the urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement and multilateral cooperation.
The Speaker further emphasised the importance of leadership elections within the IPU, noting that the African region has previously made significant contributions, including the outgoing IPU President, Tanzania's Speaker, Dr Tulia Ackson, and the current Secretary General from Camerron, Dr Martin Chungong.
"As South Africa, we will advocate for leadership that reflects gender parity and inclusivity. It is important that both women and men are equally represented in leadership positions with global institutions," she said.
In addition, to governance matters, the Assembly will deliberate on critical thematic issues, including maternal health and the governance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaker Didiza underscored that while AI presents opportunities to enhance the work of parliaments, it also raises important considerations around regulation, privacy and the protection of citizens' rights.
"Parliaments must take the lead in developing appropriate legislative frameworks to govern the use of these technologies, ensuring that innovation is balanced with ethical considerations and the protection of human dignity," she said.
She also noted that the IPU will host capacity-building initiatives, including an online workshop (this month) aimed at equipping parliamentarians with knowledge and tools to effectively utilize artificial intelligence in legislative work.
Speaker Didiza concluded that South Africa's participation in the IPU Assembly reaffirms Parliament's commitment to strengthening democracy, promoting peace, and contributing to global solutions that improve the lives of citizens.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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