Harare, (New Ziana)– The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) on Monday called on legislators to focus on peace-building and conflict resolution, as global tensions and armed conflicts continue to rise.

In a statement to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, SADC-PF secretary general Boema Sekgoma voiced concern over the growing number of armed conflicts and their devastating impact on civilians.

She also warned that increasing global instability is leading many governments to prioritize military spending over vital services such as healthcare and climate initiatives.

“At a time when global peace feels out of reach, parliaments must take the lead in promoting diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. As democratic institutions, parliaments are well-placed to stay neutral, monitor conflicts, and help guide states toward peace,” she said.

Sekgoma also highlighted the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in supporting ceasefires and mediating disputes.

She stressed the importance of involving women and youth in parliamentary processes, pointing to the proven success of female MPs in helping resolve long-standing conflicts.

“Historically, it has been demonstrated time and again that women MPs can be efficient emissaries of peace and can also resolve complex conflicts which may have eluded policymakers for decades,” she said.

“The time is nigh for MPs, both men and women, to garner their representative mandate and dismount the prospect of war between nations, de-escalate intra-state conflicts, and ensure that budgets are prioritised to address the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including to enable Universal Health Coverage under SDG 3, a coveted aspiration for most SADC citizens,” Sekgoma added.

New Ziana