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Hosted for the first time by The Gambia, the week-long gathering brings together parliamentary leaders, legislators, and governance experts from across Africa under the theme Strengthening Democratic Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks.

Declaring the conference officially open, President of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Adama Barrow framed democratic governance as essential for the continents stability and growth.

African economies remain vulnerable to inflation, debt burdens, and climate shocks that deepen poverty. Democratic governance is not a policy option-it is an imperative, he said.

The President warned of the dangers posed by persistent conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, and environmental degradation, adding:

The salvation of Africa lies in democratic governance, proper policies, and appropriate action, sustained by peace, stability, and security for all.

Barrow highlighted The Gambia democratic reforms, annual national dialogue platforms, and investments in climate adaptation and social protection as examples of resilience-building measures.

Rt. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Gambia and President of the CPA Africa Region, described the theme as both timely and urgent and challenged delegates to reflect critically on whether their institutions are responsive enough to mediate conflict, withstand economic shocks, and legislate for future generations.

We are custodians of the people aspirations. Effective oversight, equitable resource management, and laws promoting social cohesion are non-negotiable, he stated.

Jatta also underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, calling on parliaments to champion progressive legislation on economic diversification, disaster preparedness, and environmental sustainability.

Delivering the welcome address, Rt. Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee and Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, commended The Gambia hospitality and leadership, describing the country as a beacon of stability and democratic progress.

She praised President Barrows efforts in agricultural transformation, peace building and institutional strengthening, but warned of persistent threats to Africa democratic gains:

Conflicts, economic volatility, and climate displacement are reversing development gains. Legislators must turn dialogue into actionable strategies that transform parliaments into agents of resilience.

Mr. Stephen Twigg, CPA Secretary-General, linked the conference theme to the CPA next Strategic Plan, which focuses on gender, disability, youth, climate action, technology, and the needs of smaller jurisdictions.

In a world where democracy itself is under pressure, our mission demands that resilience be embedded into every aspect of parliamentary work, he said.

The opening session set the tone for a programme that will address governance, economic development, climate adaptation, inclusion, and digital transformation through workshops and plenary debates.

This year meeting precedes the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, in October, where outcomes from Banjul, particularly on climate legislation, conflict mediation frameworks, and economic diversification, will inform Commonwealth-wide strategies.

As the Gambia vibrant capital hosts over 300 delegates from African parliaments, one shared resolve resonated across the hall: African legislatures must lead the continent democratic renewal and resilience-building agenda.