Parliament’s presiding officers want strengthened parliamentary diplomacy to be their G20 legacy

KLEINMOND - Parliament’s presiding officers say they want strengthened parliamentary diplomacy to be their G20 legacy.

Speakers, deputies and other legislative representatives from G20 countries, the African Union and the European Union will gather in Kleinmond in the Western Cape on Wednesday to discuss these matters. 

Parliament says it wants to be a convener and bridge-builder between nations, regions and people.

This is the 11th P20 Speakers’ Summit, which has included meetings of women parliamentarians and the youth. 

It meets under the theme of harnessing parliamentary diplomacy to realise global solidarity, equality and sustainability. 

Speaker Thoko Didiza said this theme was particularly relevant in today’s climate of uncertainty, in which conflict and trade tensions were affecting global sustainability. 

"The summit provides an important opportunity for parliaments to commit to concrete actions that advance peace, equity and sustainable development." 

Amid strained diplomatic relations with the Trump administration, the US legislature, which will assume the presidency of the P20 from South Africa, will not be represented by its House Speaker. 

Rather, a four-person delegation of representatives and embassy officials will be attending the summit, which will be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday morning.