OPENING CEREMONY
Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee
The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee delivering his address at the opening ceremony.
I pay deep gratitude to Chairperson Mahlangu, his colleagues and staff in the National Assembly of South Africa who have sought at all times to make us welcome and look after our interests. I have learnt over many years the high quality of hospitality this country can offer. It also offers something special beyond the beauty of its landscapes. In terms of reconciliation and accountability, South Africa has much to teach the world.
In the spirit of peace, inclusivity, equality and freedom, one cannot think of a greater modern icon than Nelson Mandela. A hero to all the world to whom, on behalf of the CPA, I pay our utmost respects. All of us wish him the very best possible health. His inspiration ought to be infectious to us in our desire to
strengthen the Commonwealth family and find solutions to Commonwealth development.
Here at the 59th CPC, amid the pleasure of experiencing South Africa, we must give thought to the impact we legislators can have on the many problems there are to face- which vary hugely. The risk of literally being submerged by the rising sea; starvation; conflict; killing our planet through pollution.
How does this connect to the CPA?
We believe that good governance is the key. Our task is to encourage people into politics and more women of course. And, had I been blessed with a melodious voice, I would always be singing a song for women everywhere! We must
306 | The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Four
engage the young and inspire them to keep faith with systems of parliamentary democracy as the means of fulfilling their dreams. To learn from each other, to compare likenesses, to discuss differences, to listen, to absorb, to understand and to help each other to find solutions to problems common to all.
Here lies the real purpose and strength of the CPA. As Chairperson, I have travelled to deliver the CPA message collectively; proposed more money be allocated to the CWP, ensure the Commonwealth Youth Parliament has become an annual event and have discussed giving a more prominent position to Small Branches.
Together with the Secretary- General and his team, we are working hard to resolve the challenges within
our administrative structure through a clear forward strategy a business plan and a transparent internal audit system which measures our performance against the best. Rather than continue to struggle to find a universally acceptable status, I suspect all of you find greater excitement in confronting the challenges of the future; more stimulation in strengthening links between people, forging more friendships whilst promoting the best interests of our fellow citizens. That is truly why we are here in this wonderful country given the generous opportunity by our hosts to engage in how we can better meet those development challenges. That’s what matters: work in friendship and let us make that better future happen.
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