Tayebwa Briefs Pacific Parliamentarians on OACPS Reforms

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has met with parliamentarians from the Pacific region in Brussels to discuss proposed reforms to strengthen the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly. As President of the OACPS and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Tayebwa aims to improve the Assembly's effectiveness and give its three regional groups a stronger voice. The meeting is part of a series of consultations with parliamentary groups from the three OACPS regions.

One of the key proposals is for the Assembly to achieve greater financial independence through a common fund supported by contributions from its three regions. Tayebwa stated that members had raised concerns about the Assembly's reliance on external financing, which has made planning difficult and limited its ability to act on priorities. The proposed arrangement would establish a common fund, with each region contributing according to its capacity, to support the Assembly's shared work and regional parliamentary activities.

The proposed reforms also include strengthening regional representation in the OACPS leadership, improving committee and working group work, and expanding engagement with other parliamentary institutions. Tayebwa emphasized the need for dedicated technical and administrative staff to prepare the Assembly's work, ensure timely document circulation, and follow up on decisions. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining equitable regional representation in the Assembly's leadership through the existing two-year rotation of offices.

Tayebwa identified areas where Pacific parliamentarians could contribute to the Assembly's work, including climate resilience, oceans, fisheries, and connectivity. He stressed that stronger committees and working groups would enable parliamentarians to examine issues in greater depth and connect the Assembly's work to national legislation, budgets, and oversight. This would ultimately make the Assembly more effective and responsive to its members.

The proposed reforms also aim to expand the Assembly's partnerships beyond the European Parliament and strengthen cooperation with other parliamentary institutions worldwide. Tayebwa stated that the Assembly should have its own agenda, extending beyond meetings with the European Parliament. This would enable the Assembly to better represent the interests of OACPS countries and be more responsive to its members.

The engagement with the Pacific Parliamentary Group is part of Tayebwa's consultations in Brussels with parliamentary groups from the three OACPS regions. These consultations are ahead of the 65th session of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly, which Tayebwa will chair, and meetings of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, which he will co-chair. The proposed reforms aim to make the Assembly more effective, responsive, and better equipped to represent OACPS countries' interests.

The reforms are expected to have a positive impact on the Assembly's work and its ability to represent the interests of its member countries. With the proposed changes, the Assembly will be better positioned to address the needs and priorities of its members, ultimately contributing to the development of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific regions. The consultations with parliamentary groups from the three regions will help shape the future of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly.

Key points

• The proposed reforms aim to achieve greater financial independence for the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly through a common fund supported by contributions from its three regions.