Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT Advocate Jacob Mudenda has called on parliaments across the globe to transcend traditional diplomacy and play a direct role in conflict resolution, peace-building and equitable governance.
He made the call in Cape Town, South Africa, where he addressed the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20), which ended on Friday.
The gathering brought together presiding officers and parliamentary leaders from around the world to deliberate on pressing global issues.
Adv Mudenda said parliamentary diplomacy must fill the gaps left when traditional diplomatic efforts stall, particularly in protracted conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
“Parliamentary diplomacy must act decisively where traditional avenues struggle, focusing on conflict resolution, peace-building and fair dialogue rooted in the UN Charter,” said Adv Mudenda.
He warned against humanity’s failure to learn from history, citing the devastating toll of the First and Second World Wars as examples of crises that only ended after millions had perished.
“It was only after millions had died that people decided to sit down and end the war. The Second World War, which claimed 25 million lives, only ended through such dialogue. Yet, it appears humanity does not introspect or learn from history.”
