National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged for locally driven solutions that empower citizens and institutions to conserve the environment.
Speaking at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, Speaker Wetang’ula called for concrete action through robust environmental safeguards and innovative community-based approaches to address global climate change.
“We need programs that empower both citizens and institutions to conserve the environment for years to come, like the Kenya dream to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years,” Wetang’ula said.
He emphasized shared responsibility in safeguarding the planet for future generations and explained the role of parliaments in building capacity, sharing best practices, empowering women and youth, and protecting democratic integrity.
“We have to be partners in the push for climate justice, for a renewable energy revolution, eliminate trade barriers among Commonwealth countries, and promote investment opportunities,” said the Speaker.
Wetang’ula also highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), noting that it is reshaping industries, governance, and daily life.
“We now have improved decision-making, efficiency, and new avenues for inclusive participation. There is need to ensure AI is used with vigilance and that fact-checking online is a collective obligation,” he said.
He stressed the importance of verification, credible sourcing, and media literacy to help citizens distinguish truth from misinformation.
“By promoting cross-sector collaboration, we can amplify diverse voices, safeguard democratic processes, and advance policies that reflect our shared values,” guided Dr. Wetang’ula, reaffirming the critical role of legislatures in governance.
“You scrutinize budgets, ratify treaties, pass laws that give life to our commitments, and hold the executive to account,” he added.
In her address, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey urged delegates to reaffirm shared values, exchange innovations, and strengthen collaboration.
“Let us leave Bridgetown with renewed energy, not only to debate the future, but to shape it. Because the world needs hope. It needs cooperation. It needs solutions. And the Commonwealth, through its Parliaments, its governments, and its people, can provide all three,” she said.