By: Mohamed M. Sesay
At the first day of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of Africa (CPA) conference staged at the Bintumani Conference Center, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, has yesterday the 6th of June 2022, hobnobbed with various Speakers of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of Africa. The theme of this year’s conference is, “The Role of African parliaments in Building Inclusive Society to Counter Growing Insecurity in Africa”.
President Bio Extended a very hearty Sierra Leonean welcome to all the Speakers and Members of Parliament of the Commonwealth Parliament. He assured them that the City of Freetown is replete with history and it is a compelling natural beauty that is available to the guests to indulge in. He added that Sierra Leone takes great pride in sharing the peaceful country that is full of natural touristic sites from golden sandy beaches to islands, and beautiful waterfalls, eco-touristic delights, and a very hospitable and friendly people.
President Bio further intimated that the Commonwealth has facilitated international trade, cooperation, and consultation; provided technical training and support, including healthcare, youth development, gender equality, and sports; protected the environment and advocated for sustainable uses of natural resources; promoted cultural exchanges; and supported good governance for nations. Indeed, he said the central notion of the Commonwealth as a set of nations united not just by history and circumstance, but by shared values, mutual trust, equal respect, and a common vision, has remained valid and invaluable.
President Bio continued that the common vision commonwealth countries share, has kept the Commonwealth together through the global COVID-19 pandemic and through the looming global food security and fuel crises, and other residual challenges including climate change. But more significantly, he said the 19 Commonwealth nations in Africa are at peace and continue to act concertedly on issues of mutual concern.
President Bio equally confessed that the strengths of the democracies in the Commonwealth have endured. He particularly commended Members of Parliament for their role in quality debate, modifying laws, adoption, and passing legislation on policies, positions, and visions. He added that Members of Parliament are tasked with voicing diverse views and approving the aspirations of citizens.
He maintained that the fundamental expectation at the center of those tasks that Members of Parliament’s decisions, laws and resolutions must contribute to promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 16 (SDGs) define as “peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,” and “provide access to justice for all” as well as “build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.
President Bio also reaffirmed p that the abovementioned indicators call for respect for diversity; strengthening institutions and laws that promote inclusion and the rule of law at national and international levels, especially non-discriminatory laws; enhancing and protecting all forms of human rights; reducing all forms of violence and improve access to justice; promoting equal access to opportunity and services; and ensuring representative, participatory, responsive, and inclusive decision-making at all levels of governance. He furthered that the indications also include ending discrimination and removing barriers to political, social, and economic participation in society.
“Honorable Members, ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude by hoping that the conversations over the coming days will deepen our mutual understanding of how we can work across the African Commonwealth to make our respective societies more inclusive. I hope we will share experiences, thoughts, and best practices, and conclude will resolutions that each of our countries can flux out into policies that will inform our individual agenda for building inclusive societies”, he concluded.
