Geneva: The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, is actively participating in two significant global parliamentary events in Geneva, namely the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament. These high-profile gatherings are organized under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), focusing on crucial global governance issues.
According to South African Government News Agency, the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament is a pivotal event that brings together top parliamentary decision-makers to address emerging political, economic, environmental, and social challenges. The summit, which commenced on Monday and is set to conclude on Thursday, 30 July 2025, offers a critical platform for women leaders to network and exchange insights. This year's summit aligns with notable global milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 10-year milestone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Reggie Ngcobo, the Speaker's spokesperson, highlighted the summit's focus on the essential role of women speakers in fostering inclusive and lasting peace.
Simultaneously, the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament 2025 is underway at the Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva. This conference, organized by the IPU in collaboration with the United Nations, serves as a unique forum for parliamentary leaders to engage in high-level discussions on enhancing the role of parliaments in global governance. The 2025 edition marks the culmination of extensive preparatory work by a committee of around 20 parliamentary speakers from all world regions. The conference is designed to be inclusive, featuring contributions from prominent leaders across international organizations, academia, and civil society.