CoSPAL Urges Regional Legislatures to Deepen Cooperation

Stronger parliamentary collaboration and multilateral participation in global governance processes are demands made by Ambassador Dapo Oyewole, Secretary General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL).

Speaking at the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, Oyewole underlined the critical necessity for ongoing legislative cooperation, particularly in a world that is becoming more divided and uncertain.

The global summit, with the theme “A World in Turmoil: Parliamentary Cooperation and Multilateralism for Peace and Justice for All,” brought together speakers and presiding officers from national parliaments worldwide to discuss ways to promote inclusive development, justice, and peace.

Among the high-ranking African delegation were Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD; Nigerian Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; and CoSPAL Chairman and Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

Oyewole pointed out that CoSPAL’s strong participation in the conference is indicative of the growing power of African legislatures on the international scene. He emphasized how crucial it is that African parliaments speak with one voice on issues and concerns that affect the entire continent.

“Strong and visionary parliamentary leadership is crucial in this time of global fragmentation.” Such gatherings offer national speakers a unique and tactical chance to share ideas, build agreement, and develop cooperative solutions to global problems, according to Oyewole.

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African legislatures particularly need these forums since they provide a forum for promoting the continent’s shared interests. CoSPAL was founded with the intention of empowering Africa’s parliamentary leadership to communicate clearly and cohesively within the international legislative system,” he continued.

The impactful statements given by Bagbin, Akpabio, and Abbas were especially commended by Ambassador Oyewole, who also appreciated the efforts of other African leaders at the meeting. He noted that changes are being made to automate parliamentary procedures and boost public participation, and he cited Speaker Abbas’s speech on the digital transformation of Nigeria’s legislative traditions as being especially progressive.

Particularly as CoSPAL prepares for its third General Assembly later this year, the Geneva conference provided parliamentary leaders with a crucial forum to restate their dedication to multilateral discussion and legislative collaboration in addressing global issues.

Oyewole underlined CoSPAL’s determination to support inclusive and resilient democratic institutions throughout Africa while forming significant alliances with the larger international community by saying, “As we expand CoSPAL’s reach internationally, we also aim to attract global engagement with our platform.”