Welcome Address by the Speaker of the National Assembly, MS Thoko Didiza, During the Opening Ceremony for the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit

Honourable Speakers
Presiding Officers
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with great honour and appreciation that I welcome you to Cape Town for the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit. This occasion marks a historical milestone, as it is the first time the G20 is convened on the African continent. We are proud to host this distinguished gathering of parliamentary leaders from across the globe.

Cape Town, with its breathtaking landscapes, stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation. It was here, in 1990, that Nelson Mandela walked free from prison, signalling a new dawn for South Africa. Today, Cape Town welcomes you as a symbol of parliamentary cooperation and progressive leadership.

Your presence here affirms the value of parliamentary diplomacy, which is a vital tool for building bridges across borders and ideologies. Legislatures are not only the guardians of democracy but also the architects of inclusive development. The theme of this year's Summit, 'Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,' speaks to the urgent need for collaborative leadership in addressing the challenges facing humanity.

We meet at a time when the global landscape is being reshaped by intersecting crises and opportunities. The world continues to grapple with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts and the accelerating pace of climate change and technological advancements. The G20, under South Africa's presidency, has responded with transformative initiatives aimed at shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.

Recent G20 Achievements

Let me highlight some of the key outcomes and achievements from G20 Johannesburg Summit's related activities:

• Debt Sustainability: The G20 Financial Ministers affirmed commitment to the Common Framework for Debt Treatments to support low-income countries facing debt distress. South Africa, together with like-minded nations, has championed reforms to the global debt architecture, advocating for tailored solutions that address the burden of excessive indebtedness and promote long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Inclusive Multilateralism: With the African Union now a permanent member of the G20, South Africa's presidency has elevated the African Agenda and positioned South-South cooperation as cornerstone of inclusive multilateralism.

These achievements and many others not mentioned reflect the G20's evolving role, not just as a forum for economic coordination but as a platform for global solidarity and sustainable development.

The Role of Parliamentarians

As parliamentarians, we are entrusted with the responsibility of representing the voices of our people. Through legislative action, oversight, and budgetary allocation, we have the power to ensure that the outcomes of this Summit lead to tangible progress in our societies. We are the bridge between global aspirations and the citizens we represent.

South Africa's hosting of the Summit reflects our dedication to advancing African perspectives within the global discussions. The African Union's Agenda 2063 envisions a continent that is integrated, prosperous, and peaceful. The inclusion of African voices in the G20 process is essential to building a united and inclusive international order. This Summit will focus on several areas:

• Strengthening disaster resilience and responses.
• Mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
• Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries.
• Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
• Empowerment of women and youth.

These areas are relevant to the aspirations of the African continent. They reflect the interconnectedness of our challenges and the need for shared solutions that are responsive to our diverse national contexts and differentiated realities.

Recognising the work of Women and Youth Parliamentarians

I wish to extend special congratulations to our women and youth parliamentarians who have successfully concluded their respective meetings ahead of this Summit. The deliberations and joint declaration adopted by both meetings represent significant milestones. In their collective efforts to advance inclusive representation and meaningful participation in parliamentary processes.

The joint declarations emerging from these meetings provide parliaments with a valuable blueprint for advancing the women and youth agenda. We commend the commitment and dedication demonstrated by these parliamentarians in crafting forward-looking recommendations that will guide our legislative work. Their contributions enrich this Summit and strengthen our resolve to ensure that no voice is left unheard in shaping the future we envision.

Closing Remarks

We are confident that the discussions held here will be constructive, insightful, and forward - looking. We encourage all delegates to engage fully, to share their experiences and perspectives, and to work together in pursuit of shared goals.

Let Cape Town be remembered not only as the host city of the 11th G20 Parliamentary Summit, but as a place where a renewed commitment to parliamentary cooperation and sustainable development was strengthened.

Once again, I extend a warm welcome to each of you. We are honoured by your presence and look forward to the meaningful contributions you will make during this Summit.

I thank you.