President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for international cooperation to overcome the adverse effects of climate change.
According to him, collaborations involving knowledge-sharing, appropriate technology and best practices among countries in support of various initiatives will strengthen global efforts to create a sustainable future environment.
These measures, along with continuous innovation, education and public awareness, he noted, can contribute significantly to preservation and protection of the environment.
“Humanity today is struggling to live in harmony with nature. The undeniable truth is that our climate is undergoing unprecedented environmental degradation in the wake of climate change. Issues of environmental pollution, desertification, deforestation, global warming and other forms of degradation and their adverse consequences continue to pose imminent threats to the human race’s very survival.
“Surmounting these challenges requires collective and concerted efforts, while upholding the democratic and human rights principles that validate our common existence as a commonwealth of nations,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo, who also serves as Vice Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), made these remarks when delivering the keynote speech at the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) opening ceremony held in Accra, Ghana, on October 4, 2023.
According to him, even though nations have made significant strides in dealing with issues of climate – including interventions that have resulted in several measures such as promotion of renewable energy, strengthening environmental regulation and fostering international collaborations – there is need to do more.
“This conference is being held at a time when the world is confronted with a myriad of issues including environmental, financial and security which are having negative impacts on lives and livelihoods, especially for those of us in developing countries.
“The clarion call is for member-countries to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, provide incentives for clean energy production, and set renewable energy targets to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. There is also the call to strengthen environmental regulations,” he said.
As regards legislation and regulation, President Akufo-Addo charged members of the Commonwealth Parliament to champion, among other regulations, the enactment of legislations that prioritise protection of the environment against climate change.
He said: “Your distinct role as Members of Parliaments of the Commonwealth will require you to enact the requisite legislation and provide for the enforcement of robust environmental regulations to protect natural resources, reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. Protecting the environment is an ethical imperative that requires a shift in our collective mindset and behaviour. We must act swiftly, decisively and inclusively; leaving no one behind in our pursuit of a sustainable environment”.
Theme for this year’s conference
This year’s CPC, hosted by the parliament of Ghana, was themed: ‘The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: values and principles for parliaments to uphold’.
The conference provides for the over-50 delegates in attendance an opportunity to exchange views, share ideas and promote knowledge to enhance the work of parliaments in various countries, states or provinces.
Among the events and activities lined up for the conference are eight workshop sessions focusing on wide-ranging issues such as: the role of parliament in combatting the threats of terrorism; the role of the Commonwealth in International Security and peacebuilding; environmental approaches in tackling energy, poverty and gender issues in our various parliaments, among others.
Strengthening parliaments
The Speaker of parliament and president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in his address at the opening ceremony intimated that there still remains a mirage in parliaments of some countries – adding that democracy will remain elusive if deliberate efforts are not made to ensure the independence of parliaments.
“We can strengthen parliaments if we empower our oversight committees to effectively review government actions, budgets and policies. We can strengthen parliament through civic education programmes that inform citizens about their rights and the need to protect parliamentary democracy.
“Indeed, parliaments must leverage the strong relationships they have with civil society and the media to facilitate public participation in parliament’s work and expose infractions of democratic principles,” he said.
