Pan-African Parliament Convenes 2024’s Final Session This Week
Pan-African Parliament HQ in Midrand South Africa. Image PUBLIC DOMAIN
Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative body of the African Union (AU), is convening this week for the Fourth Ordinary Session of its Sixth Parliament running from October 28 to November 15, 2024. This is also the final ordinary session for the year to convene at PAP’s headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, under the AU’s 2024 theme, Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality, and Relevant Learning in Africa.
According to the announcement on their website, the session will be attended by designated representatives of National and Regional Parliaments, Diplomatic Corps, officials from Member States and AU organs, as well as stakeholders such as the media and the public. Participants are expected to gain insights into legislative cohesion, promote unity among African nations, and drive forward the goals of the AU in education and development.
The Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament serves to advance the legislative agenda for the AU. Each Ordinary Session of the PAP serves as a platform for African Members of Parliament to discuss and develop solutions to pressing issues affecting the continent. During the session, PAP MPs members review committee reports and create policy recommendations for the Summit of African Heads of State and Government, aiming to harmonize laws and policies across African nations. This session will also include reports from other AU organs and African institutions, allowing for integrated responses to continental challenges on the agenda.
In adherence to its Rules of Procedure [PDF], PAP convenes at least twice yearly to provide parliamentary oversight, review legislative proposals, and foster collaboration among AU member states and their parliamentarians. This Fourth Ordinary Session will focus on enhancing educational systems across Africa, underscoring the importance of education in Africa’s sustainable development.
Participation and Online Access
For those interested in attending in person, the Parliament’s accreditation center at the Midrand headquarters offers daily passes. Alternatively, observers can apply for accreditation online by completing a form available at this link and emailing it to info@panafricanparliament.org.
The public and media can also follow the proceedings through live-streamed sessions on PAP’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
For additional information on the session, stakeholders may reach out to specific contacts within the Pan-African Parliament, including Clerk Lindiwe Khumalo at clerk@panafricanparliament.org, or Jeffrey Onganga for media inquiries at jeffrey.onganga@panafricanparliament.org. in fostering legislative cohesion, promoting unity among African nations, and driving forward the goals of the AU in education and development.
