The Member of Parliament for Wa Central and Minister in Charge of Special Initiatives, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has handed over the presidency of the African Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA) to Zambia’s Hon. Fred Luhamba Mwene, following the election of a new executive.
The leadership transition took place during the Africa–Asia Parliamentarians’ Conference on Population and Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Dr. Pelpuo delivered the opening address on November 2, 2026.
Speaking at the conference, Dr. Pelpuo urged parliamentarians across Africa and Asia to move beyond declarations and take practical steps to improve the lives of their people.
He said parliamentarians have a responsibility to ensure that commitments made at international conferences are reflected in national laws, policies and budgets.
Dr. Pelpuo highlighted the need for greater investment in sexual and reproductive health services, stronger laws to protect women and girls from violence and harmful practices, and increased opportunities for young people to participate in national development.
“Young people should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development programmes. They must be recognised as partners, innovators, leaders and active participants in shaping the future of their countries,” he stated.
He also called for closer cooperation between African and Asian parliaments, particularly in sharing experiences, strengthening legislation and mobilising resources to address population and development challenges.
Reflecting on previous parliamentary engagements in Kigali in 2023 and Dar es Salaam in 2025, Dr. Pelpuo encouraged members to build on earlier commitments and ensure that their discussions lead to meaningful action.
He expressed appreciation to the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Government of Japan through the Japan Trust Fund, and the Government of Ethiopia for their support.
Dr. Pelpuo reminded participants that the success of their work would not be measured by the number of speeches delivered or resolutions adopted, but by the positive changes they bring to people’s lives.
With the election of the new executive, Hon. Fred Luhamba Mwene of Zambia assumes the presidency of the Forum, taking forward its work to strengthen parliamentary leadership and cooperation on population and development across Africa.
