Chief Fortune Charumbira Makes History: Pan-African Parliament Delegation at UNGA 80 Advancing Vision for a Revitalized PAP
Chief Fortune Charumbira makes history by leading the Pan-African Parliament delegation to UNGA 80 in New York
His Excellency Chief Fortune Charumbira (Zimbabwe), President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and First Vice President Hon. Dr. Fatimetou Habib (Mauritania) are heading a delegation to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This participation signifies a significant advancement in PAP’s involvement in international diplomacy.
Until now, the Pan-African Parliament had little direct presence at the UNGA. Although a delegation visited the European Parliament in December 2022 to address pressing international issues, including the Russia–Ukraine war, no PAP President had previously attended a UNGA session. According to Africa Renewal, H.E. Chief Charumbira’s participation at UNGA 80 represents a breakthrough in strengthening Africa’s parliamentary voice on the world stage.
This initiative reflects both his campaign message and for the first time, Africa’s legislative organ is stepping beyond continental discussions to actively shape international dialogue, a move that advances the 6th Bureau’s agenda to revive, renew, reposition, and reinvigorate the continental parliament. By engaging directly with international leaders and institutions, PAP seeks to enhance Africa’s influence in global governance, expand its visibility, and ensure African priorities shape international policy, as well as, strengthen PAP’s role at the heart of Africa’s diplomacy.
During the visit, Chief Charumbira has taken part in several high-profile events:
- Unstoppable Africa 2025 Forum: Joined heads of state, investors, and policymakers to highlight Africa’s economic potential and the importance of global partnerships for sustainable development.
- Private Diplomatic Dinner on Cancer Equity: Hosted by the Partnership for Patients and the NYC Department of Health, the discussion focused on advancing cancer care equity, especially for underserved populations in Africa and the Global South.
- Forward Africa Leaders Symposium 2025: Called for a unified African voice in global decision-making, reinforcing PAP’s vision of proactive diplomacy.
- Reparations Dialogue: Emphasized the need for reparations for Africans and the diaspora, stressing the role of civil society in advancing justice and addressing historical inequities.
The joint engagement with ECOSOCC at UNGA80 also highlighted PAP’s commitment to structured collaboration with civil society organisations. H.E. Chief Charumbira’s representation by Clerk of Parliament Ms. Lindiwe Khumalo ensured that PAP’s leadership voice was present in the dialogue. Her intervention reinforced the message that the parliament’s legitimacy is rooted in the people of Africa, and that civil society engagement is indispensable for shaping inclusive policies. By standing alongside ECOSOCC, PAP demonstrated its resolve to create stronger synergies between elected representatives and grassroots actors in amplifying African perspectives on the global stage.
