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{
    "id": 1446079,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1446079/?format=api",
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    "content": "security and sustainability are pressing issues that require concerted efforts and innovative strategies to address. The issues that are more pressing in the Commonwealth countries are not as pressing for the United Kingdom (UK). This was raised in several sessions by different speakers. Our Speaker brought in the issue of shared common goals between the membership. One of the issues that affects Africa especially is food security. He therefore observed that the process of harvesting remained integral to food security and sustainability. He said that it was essential to strike a balance between meeting the immediate food needs of any people of any State and safeguarding the resources and the eco-system for the future needs. He noted that sustainable harvesting practices of natural resources are also key to the components of achieving the balance between the environment and food production. Madam Temporary Speaker, the theme of the Commonwealth Charter ten years on, values and principles for Parliaments to uphold came at a time when the Commonwealth was reflecting on the 10th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has been on for the last 10 years. The Commonwealth Charter has continued to play a crucial role in shaping how parliaments function within the Commonwealth and emphasizes the need for democracy, human rights and the rule of law within the Commonwealth itself. During the workshop on the Commonwealth Charter, there were discussions on the human rights framework within the Charter, emphasizing the principles of equality, non-discrimination and universality. With this respect, as a Parliament, we can uphold the values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter ourselves by enacting legislation to promote equality, justice and the dignity of all individuals. This is very important because even as we have been discussing the recent issues that are going on in our country, we have noted that the issues of equality and justice keep appearing and reappearing. We must relook our legislation. The other area that our own Parliament should be looking at is conducting oversight of the Executive branch to ensure adherence to the Commonwealth Charter. The third one is engaging in dialogue with civil society and other stakeholders to promote awareness and understanding of the Charter's values and how we can apply them in our situation. Madam Temporary Speaker, other workshops were held also under different themes on the sidelines of the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, which included a workshop on the threat of terrorism to statehood. The role of Parliament was discussed. This workshop provided a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing among the panelists and participants with the ultimate goal of enhancing the capacity of participants to effectively address the threat of terrorism to statehood while upholding democratic values and principles. This was a very important workshop, especially when it came to members of the Commonwealth from the African continent, where terrorism has been a real threat to nationhood and statehood and has disrupted democracy to some extent. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}