LUANDA – Carolina Cerqueira, the Speaker of the Angola National Assembly, stressed the increasing necessity of parliamentary diplomacy in the quest for global peace. The remarks were made on Friday in Luanda, during the closing ceremony of the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) focused on parliamentary action, justice, and strong institutions.

According to a new release by Angola Press News Agency, Cerqueira urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to be proactive in aligning their actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, approved in 2015, serves as an action plan focused on human and planetary well-being, encapsulating 17 SDGs and 169 associated objectives to be met by 2030. Cerqueira highlighted that the National Assembly contributes to improved governance at various administrative levels through legislative initiatives, budget adoption, and government oversight, thereby setting the stage for social peace, sustainable development, and literacy promotion.

During her speech, Cerqueira emphasized the necessity of inclusivity in parliamentary procedures, advocating for greater participation of youth, women, minority and disadvantaged groups. According to the Speaker, the present generation of MPs carries the responsibility to erase the ‘dark side of human history’ and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Regarding gender inclusivity, Cerqueira underlined the indispensable role of women in peacekeeping and sustainable development efforts, especially in areas like family farming, trade, education, and social actions aimed at marginalized populations.

Cerqueira concluded her address by expressing satisfaction for the values of friendship, cooperation, dialogue, and fraternity that were championed during the assembly, both among Africans and between Africans and the global community represented by parliamentarians.