During the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) hosted by Uganda’s Parliament, Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the Parliament of Kenya, delivered a keynote address on the urgent need for Commonwealth Parliaments to include climate change on their order papers as an emergency issue. Wetang’ula emphasized the crucial role legislators play in prioritizing climate change, safeguarding natural resources, and addressing the challenges posed by climate-related shocks.
In his address titled ‘Environment, climate change, and the role of Parliament,’ Wetang’ula urged his fellow speakers and presiding officers to recognize the legislative power they hold and align parliamentary efforts with the rapidly transforming world. He stressed the importance of embracing green competition for future growth and development and discussed the vulnerability of Commonwealth countries, particularly those in the global south, to the impacts of climate change.
Wetang’ula highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa, despite the continent contributing less than 4% of total greenhouse gas emissions. He called for Commonwealth Parliaments to set policy directions, translate global outcomes into domestic legislation, raise awareness, and hold the executive accountable in addressing climate change.
The Kenyan Speaker also commended Speaker Anita Among of the Parliament of Uganda for hosting the conference and fostering a spirit of togetherness in nurturing Parliamentary democracy. Wetang’ula was re-elected as the Africa bloc representative in the Standing Committee of CSPOC, pledging to collaborate with counterparts to address common challenges faced by their people, including climate change effects and legislation affecting Africa.
The CSPOC conference, held on a two-year cycle, provides a platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments to share experiences and collaborate on various issues, including climate change, security, health, gender, and youth governance.
