Cape town: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has called for stronger youth participation in parliaments and global decision-making platforms. Didiza made the call on Monday at the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum, held under the theme: ‘Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.’
According to South African Government News Agency, the two-day meeting, held from 29 – 30 September, brought together delegates from around the world, ahead of the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) scheduled for 1 to 3 October 2025. Didiza emphasized that young people remain a vital force for shaping inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies. She highlighted the need to harness the energy, innovation, and perspectives of young leaders.
‘Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges,’ Didiza said. While noting progress made, Didiza said young people continue to be under-represented in many legislatures worldwide.
According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under the age of 30, and 73% of Upper Houses have no members under the age of 30. She said South Africa encourages youth participation in Parliament through political party processes and youth activism, which has ensured that the voices of young people are included in both Houses.
Didiza also highlighted several pressing issues confronting young people worldwide. These include persistently high levels of unemployment and poverty; the effects of conflict, instability, and migration, which disproportionately affect youth; the severe consequences of climate change, also burdening younger generations; and limited access to education, skills development, and digital opportunities.
The Speaker urged parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies that promote youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work, and access to technology, while also ensuring the responsible regulation of artificial intelligence. ‘As we promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, we must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions we make today. It is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices,’ Didiza said.
The Speaker further emphasized the need for solidarity and international cooperation to build inclusive economies and address global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. ‘The actions and decisions we take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future,’ she said.
The outcomes of this Summit will inform parliamentary deliberations on issues including unemployment, education, healthcare, and sustainable development in South Africa, the African continent, and the rest of the world.