Speaker Thoko Didiza Joins Global Parliamentary Summits in Geneva

“The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is marking 25 years of existence and is needed even more today than when it was established,” said Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for Speaker Didiza.

South Africa’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, is currently participating in two landmark global parliamentary summits hosted in Geneva: the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament. These high-level events, convened under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), offer platforms for global dialogue and cooperation at the legislative level on some of the most pressing issues of our time.

The summits bring together top parliamentary leaders from around the world to deliberate on the future of global governance, gender equality, inclusive peace, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Both conferences conclude today, Thursday, July 30, 2025, following several days of in-depth sessions, policy discussions, and multilateral networking.

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15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament: Gendered Leadership in Global Governance

The 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament began earlier this week and convened under the theme of “Leading for Inclusive and Lasting Peace”, a theme that gains particular relevance amid rising geopolitical instability and a global push for gender-responsive governance. This summit uniquely brings together female parliamentary speakers, representing the highest levels of legislative leadership in their respective countries.

Speaker Didiza joined her global counterparts in addressing a range of cross-cutting issues, including:

• The ongoing need for gender equity in political participation and leadership

• The role of women leaders in advancing peacebuilding, humanitarian response, and post-conflict recovery

• Policy interventions to tackle climate change, poverty, education, and digital inclusion

This year’s summit is especially significant as it coincides with three major global milestones:

1. 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal document for global gender equality.

2. 10-year milestone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3. 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

“The Women, Peace and Security Agenda is marking 25 years of existence and is needed even more today than when it was established,” said Reggie Ngcobo, spokesperson for Speaker Didiza. “This summit empowers women leaders to amplify their roles in building sustainable and inclusive peace.”

The gathering also emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship among women parliamentary leaders to foster knowledge exchange and mutual support across geopolitical and cultural contexts.

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6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament: Strengthening Democratic Multilateralism

Running in parallel to the women’s summit, the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament convened at the Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva, with participation from nearly every corner of the globe. The conference is organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in collaboration with the United Nations, marking a unique convergence of legislative and diplomatic leadership.

This edition of the World Speakers’ Conference is the culmination of two years of preparatory dialogue and planning led by a committee of approximately 20 parliamentary speakers from all global regions. The overarching objective: to reinforce the critical role of parliaments in multilateral governance amid growing challenges such as political polarization, misinformation, climate change, and economic disparity.

Sessions covered a range of strategic themes:

• Parliaments' contributions to global peace and security frameworks

• Legislative alignment with the SDGs and climate commitments

• Digital transformation in governance and the impact of AI

• Promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen trust in public institutions

In the spirit of inclusivity, the conference also featured voices from academia, civil society, and international organizations, offering multidisciplinary perspectives and real-world applications of policy decisions.

Speaker Didiza’s presence at both summits underscores South Africa’s commitment to multilateral dialogue, gender equality, and parliamentary diplomacy. Her participation also reinforces the National Assembly’s dedication to strengthening institutional frameworks that promote inclusive development and sustainable peace, both at home and on the global stage.

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The IPU: A Crucial Forum for Parliamentary Cooperation

Founded in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union serves as the global organization of national parliaments, fostering dialogue among legislators and advocating for democratic governance worldwide. Its conferences and summits provide a vital platform for legislative diplomacy, complementing the work of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions.

With global challenges increasingly requiring coordinated legislative responses, such events are not only ceremonial—they are instrumental in shaping the parliamentary agenda for the years ahead.

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As Speaker Didiza concludes her engagements in Geneva, the insights and collaborations forged during these summits are expected to inform South Africa’s legislative priorities and enhance its role in international governance and gender-responsive policymaking.