The Southern African Development Community, Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), 58^th  Plenary Assembly Session has commenced in Durban, South Africa with a call for greater regional cooperation, improved data systems and stronger accountability mechanisms to address the impact of climate change.

The SADC Regional Parliaments have assembled in South Africa for the Plenary Assembly Session which is being held under the theme: “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.”

The Right Honorable Ms. Nelly B.K. Mutti, MP, SC., FAPRA, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, who is leading a Zambian delegation of five Members of Parliament at the Plenary Assembly Session presented the Report on the 151^st Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly and Related Meetings held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19^th to 23^rd October, 2025.

The Report highlighted some key resolutions such as the adoption of the Geneva Declaration on Upholding Humanitarian Norms, a resolution supporting victims of illegal international adoption, and a recommendation to elect the first woman UN Secretary-General. The other highlight in the Report was the IPU’s consideration of an emergency item and leadership statement on Madagascar, following the recent coup in that country.

Speaker Mutti who is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), representing the Africa Geo-Political Group, expressed optimism that the highlights of the report will help SADC-PF member parliaments to take stock of emerging global governance issues.

In supporting the  Motion to adopt the IPU Report tabled by Speaker Mutti, Mr Kalalwe Mukosa, MP, submitted that Zambia fully supports the Report and IPU’s firm stance on defending democracy and constitutional order.

“The Report reminds us that unconstitutional changes of governments undermine the very tenets of democracy that SADC member States strongly stand for. Unconstitutional changes of governments undermine stability thereby weakening institutions and endangering the rights and safety of our citizens,” Mr Mukosa said.

Speaking earlier when delivering Zambia’s Country Report on the Implementation of the Resolutions of the 57^th SADC – PF Plenary Assembly Session held in Victoria Falls City, Zimbabwe, in June, 2025, Mrs Mutinta Mazoka, MP, highlighted Zambia’s commitment to democratic governance, sustainable development, and regional cooperation as exemplified by parliamentary actions and government reforms across critical sectors.

Mrs Mazoka reported on various issues including mining sector reforms supported by the newly enacted legislation establishing the Minerals Regulation Commission and local content regulations to benefit Zambians and trade and economic resilience, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional corridors like the Lobito Corridor, and support for SMEs, including women- and youth-owned businesses.

Meanwhile Ms Julien Nyemba, MP, informed the Assembly that Zambia has made significant legislative reforms which have brought the Marriage Act into conformity with the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, particularly the provision prohibiting marriage under the age of 18.

Ms Nyemba was speaking when she rose in support of the Motion to adopt the Report of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee which was moved by Ms Chushi Kasanda, MP. 

The 58^th Plenary Assembly Session opened on 2^nd December 2025, with concerns over the impact of climate change which is already altering the social, economic and developmental trajectory of the SADC region, with women and young people shouldering most of the impact.

The Zambian delegation to the Plenary Assembly Session, led by Speaker Mutti includes: Mrs. Mutinta Mazoka, MP, Mr. Kalalwe Mukosa, MP, Mrs. Julien Nyemba, MP, Mrs. Chushi Kasanda, MP, Mr. Victor Lumayi, MP and the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs. Loveness Maambo Mayaka.