eradication of poverty and hunger, sustainable development, as well as combating inequality at all levels. This is essential to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Thus the Commonwealth needs to focus on both the need to meet the Millennium Development Goals targets and what needs to happen beyond 2015, and also the need for the financing of the MDGs. Financing discussions are important. Deliberations on the development goals should bear in mind that countries have different starting points, national priorities and regional circumstances. Therefore, the post-2015 development agenda should reaffirm the Rio Principles, especially the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities”, along with “Equity and the Right to Development”.
Thus it is important to ensure
financial assistance through continued Official Development Assistance and other mechanisms and sources of funding.
Also important is the need for the transfer of environmentally sound technologies as well as capacity building to ensure self-reliance. Only this will enable developing countries to meet their domestic development challenges. Let me reiterate the need for Parliaments to promote the deepening and strengthening of democracy.
In this regard, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has an important role to play in the promotion of democracy.
We should also bear in mind that democratic governance and its institutions such as Parliaments and Legislatures, are vital for good governance, human rights and the rule of law.
Another role we see for
Parliaments and Legislatures around the world is the promotion of peace and security. As Parliamentarians you play an oversight role and are able to scrutinize the work done by the executive in your respective countries, including matters of war and peace. Thus, we urge you to promote peace in the world at all times, for it is only through peace that we can have sustainable development and prosperity especially in the developing world which is beset by many challenges.
At this juncture we cast our eyes towards the Syrian Arab Republic which is the centre of world attention at this point.
We trust that the United Nations will be respected as the only authority that can intervene militarily in any country, and only if all other avenues have been exhausted.
We trust that there shall be no violation of international law or the abuse of the United Nations Security
Council to fulfill the agenda of other nation states.
We also call for peace in our own continent, in Egypt and also closer to home in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Peace and democracy must reign in every part of Africa and all over the world.
Thus, we urge you as
Parliamentarians to continue playing your role in promoting democracy, accountability and good governance and also in promoting peace and stability around the world. Let me reiterate once again how happy we are to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
I am also honoured to be the Vice- Patron of this September conference. Let me again welcome you all to South Africa.
May your deliberations be fruitful and provide much to take forward. I thank you.
The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Four | 309
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