During the 27th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), the Speaker of the Parliament of Kenya, Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, delivered a keynote address urging Parliaments of Commonwealth countries to prioritize climate change as an emergency issue. The three-day conference, hosted by Uganda’s Parliament, focused on diverse topics, including climate change, environmental issues, and the role of Parliaments.
Wetang’ula emphasized the critical role legislators play in addressing climate change and called for its inclusion on parliamentary order papers as an urgent matter. He underscored the responsibility of Parliaments to align with a rapidly transforming world, advocating for green initiatives to ensure sustainable growth and development.
In his address, Wetang’ula highlighted the vulnerability of Commonwealth countries, particularly those in the global south, to the effects of climate change. Despite contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions, these nations bear a disproportionate burden of climate-related challenges. He noted the increased frequency and severity of climate-related shocks, posing challenges to poverty eradication efforts in the continent.
The Kenyan Speaker advocated for strong parliamentary leadership in addressing global challenges, urging speakers and presiding officers to set policy directions, translate global outcomes into domestic legislation, raise awareness, and hold the executive accountable. He emphasized the need for continuous capacity building, budget allocation, and global knowledge-sharing to combat climate change.
Wetang’ula commended Speaker Anita Among of the Parliament of Uganda for hosting the conference, fostering Parliamentary diplomacy, and promoting knowledge of Parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth. He called for harmonized climate change legislation to pool resources and address diverse regional effects.
The conference addressed various issues, including inclusive Parliaments, security for Members of Parliament, health and well-being of legislators, gender, and youth governance. Wetang’ula’s re-election as the Africa bloc representative in the Standing Committee of the CSPOC reflects the trust of fellow Speakers within the Commonwealth region in his leadership and service delivery.
The CSPOC conference, established in 1969, provides a platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments to share experiences and collaborate. The next host for the 28th biennial conference in January 2026 will be the Parliament of India.
