The President of the Assembly of the Republic, Margarida Talapa, stressed on Monday (1), in Durban, the need to harmonize climate change legislation among the countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), aiming for a coordinated response to environmental risks that cross borders, as reported by the Mozambique News Agency.
Speaking during a SADC Parliamentary Forum symposium dedicated to the impact of climate change on women and youth, Talapa highlighted the crucial role of parliaments in climate mitigation and adaptation, also proposing the integration of gender and youth approaches into national policies and plans across the region.
“Mozambique’s experience demonstrates that parliaments play an indispensable role in the climate response. Climate change is not just an environmental phenomenon but a development, social justice, and human dignity challenge,” she emphasized.
The parliamentary leader also proposed the creation of mechanisms to facilitate access to climate financing for countries in the region, focusing on adaptation, mitigation, and promotion of green entrepreneurship. For Talapa, protecting vulnerable groups is imperative. “Protecting women, youth, and children is protecting the future of our region,” she stated.
Talapa also warned of the indirect impacts of climate change on regional stability, pointing out that worsening scarcity of natural resources can fuel conflicts, putting social cohesion and youth well-being at risk.
She further highlighted the increase in cases of gender-based violence and human trafficking in contexts of forced displacement associated with extreme weather events. “There are reports of women being assaulted while searching for water and children being kidnapped during floods and cyclone-driven escapes,” she lamented.
The Assembly President reiterated the Mozambican Parliament’s commitment to continue cooperating with other SADC parliaments in building fairer climate policies, while emphasizing the need for national budgets that prioritize climate change action.
During the meeting, Talapa also praised the role of the Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Center (SHOC), based in Nacala, Nampula, as one of the structures that can drive the sharing of information and post-disaster regional responses.
The Mozambican delegation attending the symposium also included deputies Raimundo Diomba, Marquita Jaime, Jerónima Agostinho, Ivandro Massingue, and Saimone Macuiane.
