Tayebwa calls for equitable global partnerships at OACPS-EU assembly

Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa has called for equitable global partnerships based on equality, mutual respect, solidarity, and shared responsibility among countries.

Tayebwa made the remarks while opening the second session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States-European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

The assembly brought together parliamentarians from Africa, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and Europe to discuss shared global priorities and strengthen international cooperation.

Tayebwa, who also serves as President of the OACPS Parliamentary Assembly and Co-President of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, said international partnersmove beyond promises and deliver practical benefits to member states.

He called for increased investment, local value addition, skills development, and decent employment opportunities, particularly in OACPS countries.

“The OACPS would like to see an economic partnership that delivers tangible benefits, including investment, local value addition, skills development, and decent employment in our countries,” Tayebwa said.

On climate change, he urged developed countries to reform global climate financing mechanisms to ensure vulnerable nations can access affordable and predictable funding to address challenges such as droughts, flash floods, and rising sea levels.

He further called for climate funds to reach affected communities directly without exposing developing countries to additional unsustainable debt.

Tayebwa also urged parliamentarians from both regions to accelerate the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which provides a framework for cooperation between OACPS member states and the European Union in trade, investment, governance and sustainable development.

The opening session was also addressed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, among other leaders.

The leaders emphasised the importance of multilateralism, parliamentary dialogue, and international cooperation in addressing emerging global challenges.

The assembly is co-chaired by Tayebwa and his European Union counterpart, Francisco Assis, with a shared commitment to ensuring that parliamentary discussions translate into practical outcomes for citizens across the two blocs.