The Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL) participated in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Istanbul, Türkiye, under the theme “Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace, and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations.” Representing the CoSPAL Secretariat, the Secretary-General, Amb. ’Dapo Oyewole, joined parliamentary leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on the future of democracy, peace, justice and inclusive governance.
Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainties, democratic backsliding and emerging global challenges, the Assembly underscored the critical role of parliaments in fostering dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, preventing conflict and advancing sustainable development.
The event convened a distinguished gathering of parliamentary leaders, including Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, Chairman of CoSPAL and Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana; Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nigeria; Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund; and Mr Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly of Nigeria, amongst others.
Key outcomes of the Assembly included high-level deliberations across the IPU’s Standing Committees and specialised forums, strategic discussions on post-conflict peacebuilding, international trade cooperation, climate action, disability inclusion and interfaith dialogue, as well as the adoption of the IPU Strategy 2027–2032.
A historic milestone was also recorded with the election of Amb. Anda Filip as Secretary-General of the IPU, making her the first woman to hold the position in the organisation’s 137-year history.
As the global organisation of national parliaments, the IPU continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic governance and advancing international cooperation. CoSPAL remains committed to working closely with the IPU, its leadership and member parliaments to promote parliamentary excellence, democratic accountability and inclusive development across Africa and beyond.
