African parliamentarians convene in Addis Ababa for population and development Dialogue

Addis Ababa, November 20, 2024 (FBC) – A significant Parliamentarian Dialogue on Population and Development took place in Addis Ababa, aimed at fostering a sustainable and healthy population across Africa. This event is part of the African Parliamentarians’ Forum focused on population and development initiatives.

Ethiopian parliamentarians, members of the women’s parliamentary caucus, and representatives from the Ministry of Planning and the National Statistics Office gathered to discuss the country’s population and economic landscape, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The forum facilitated the exchange of insights and experiences among participants.

During his opening remarks, Dessalegn Wodajao, Chairperson of the Planning, Budget and Finance Affairs Standing Committee in the Ethiopian Parliament, highlighted Ethiopia’s significant progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He called upon African parliamentarians to take on a pivotal role in advancing population-related issues and aligning national laws and policies with developmental objectives.

Mr. Wamala Musa Buyungo, the coordinator of the African Parliamentarian Forum on Population and Development (APFPD), presented a paper titled “African Parliamentarian Forum on Population and Development in Attainment of ICPD and AADP Goals.” He emphasized the importance of strategic objectives and the critical roles that Members of Parliament (MPs) play in addressing population challenges. Buyungo urged MPs to ensure that existing laws and policies align with international standards to effectively tackle population and development issues.

He also stressed the need for improved outreach and public engagement programs to bridge the gap between national parliaments and local communities, along with the importance of advocacy and effective communication supported by appropriate budget allocations.