Uncategorized
Inside Education Reporter
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has urged stronger youth participation in legislatures and international decision-making platforms, saying young leaders are central to building inclusive and sustainable societies.
Didiza was addressing the P20 Young Parliamentarians Forum in Cape Town under the theme “Young Parliamentarians as Drivers of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” The meeting precedes the 11th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20), which will take place from 1 to 3 October.
Welcoming delegates from around the world, Didiza said young people were a vital force in shaping the future. “Young people are a powerhouse in exploring solutions to the problems of the modern world. Their perspectives, energy and inventive ideas are critical in helping us find original solutions needed for today’s challenges,” she said.
Despite progress in some areas, youth remain under-represented in global legislatures. Didiza cited Inter-Parliamentary Union figures showing only 2.8% of the world’s parliamentarians are under 30, while nearly three-quarters of upper houses have no members in that age group.
South Africa, she said, has encouraged youth participation through political party processes and activism, ensuring their voices are heard.
Didiza urged parliaments to use their oversight powers to advance policies supporting youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, decent work and technology access. She also called for responsible regulation of artificial intelligence.
“As we promote societies founded on democracy and respect for human rights, we must be conscious that young people are often the most affected by the decisions we make today. It is no longer acceptable to take decisions without their voices,” she said.
Solidarity and international cooperation, she added, were vital to tackling shared global challenges such as inequality, climate change and geopolitical tensions.
“The actions and decisions we take today must ensure that young people, particularly in the Global South, gain meaningful access to economic opportunities and play a central role in shaping a just and sustainable future,” Didiza said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
