Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, delivered a thought-provoking and inspiring address at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, offering a compelling case for stronger parliamentary engagement in promoting social development and justice.
Held under the theme “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” the Assembly offered a timely platform for parliaments worldwide to reflect on their role in shaping inclusive societies. Speaker Mudenda seized the moment not only to present Zimbabwe’s national aspirations but also to align them with broader African and global goals, particularly Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a world grappling with widening inequalities and shifting geopolitical dynamics, Speaker Mudenda’s call to action was both bold and hopeful. He emphasized that development must be people-centered and justice-driven, citing Zimbabwe’s own initiatives—such as youth and women empowerment banks—as tangible examples of how parliaments can legislate for equity.
His address reframed the conversation from economic growth metrics alone to a deeper, values-based development rooted in access, dignity, and fairness. Importantly, his message placed Parliamentarians as stewards of this transformative agenda—tasked not just with oversight and representation, but with ensuring that no citizen is left behind.
Mudenda’s eloquent delivery resonated beyond Zimbabwe, serving as a reminder that African voices are critical in shaping global narratives. By addressing the injustice of a world where 1% hold nearly half of the wealth while millions remain in poverty, Mudenda positioned Zimbabwe as a vocal advocate for fairness in the global order.
He also amplified Africa’s pressing youth challenge, with unemployment nearly double the global average, calling for tailored interventions that unleash the continent’s demographic dividend. His remarks served as a call to shift from rhetoric to results—urging that parliamentary action must translate into real empowerment and justice on the ground.
With the upcoming Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar, Speaker Mudenda’s contributions are timely. He laid the groundwork for a Southern voice that challenges global inequalities while promoting shared prosperity through robust multilateral cooperation.
Equally noteworthy was his alignment with the IPU’s new gender equality campaign, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action.” His support underscored Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive representation and acknowledged the need for systemic change to empower women and girls politically, socially, and economically.
The optimistic tone of Speaker Mudenda’s address, while grounded in sobering global statistics, offered a strategic outlook. His emphasis on action, justice, and equity as pillars for sustainable development signals a Zimbabwe that is actively shaping its future and contributing to global solutions.
The IPU Assembly, in this context, becomes not just a meeting of parliaments, but a convergence of shared ideals—where Zimbabwe, through Speaker Mudenda, is emerging as a strong advocate for a just, inclusive, and equitable world.
