Several members of the Namibian Parliament are expected to attend the SADC 55th Parliamentary Forum in Luanda, Angola next month.
The delegation will be led by Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly, and other members, including Phillipus Katamelo, Utaara Mootu, Agnes Kafula and Paula Kooper from the National Assembly, along with John Likando and Olivia Hanghuwo from the National Council.
The forum will take place from today to 7 July 2024, and will be held under the theme ‘The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Renewable Energy Policies in the SADC Region, and Creating a Single Regional Energy Market.’
A statement issued by National Assembly spokesperson Sakeus Kadhikwa on Thursday said the Plenary Assembly convenes twice annually, hosted in rotation by member parliaments.
The Plenary Assembly advises the SADC Summit on regional policy issues, and promotes SADC’s objectives and programmes.
“Discussions will cover various topics, including the launch of the SADC PF (Parliamentary Forum) Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, country presentations on the theme, progress reports on the implementation of resolutions from the 54th Plenary Assembly, and the consideration of Standing Committee reports and members’ motions,” he added.
The SADC PF was established in 1997 as an autonomous institution under Article 9(2) of the SADC Treaty.
It comprises 15 member parliaments representing over 3 500 parliamentarians in the SADC region, including from Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
-Nampa