Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the third edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum in Rabat, Morocco, advocating for unity, solidarity, and decisive action among nations of the Global South. The forum, themed “Inter-regional and Continental Dialogues in the Countries of the South as a Fundamental Lever to Address the Emerging Challenges of International Cooperation and Achieve Peace, Security, Stability, and Common Development,” convened lawmakers, diplomats, and development leaders to discuss enhanced cooperation.

Akpabio urged southern nations to transcend mere rhetoric and foster a new epoch of cooperation, industrial advancement, and political fortitude. He emphasized the necessity of collective effort in addressing global challenges such as economic volatility, climate crises, and political instability, stating that these issues cannot be resolved through isolated endeavors but require a unified resolve.

He lauded Morocco for its role in bridging continents and traditions, acknowledging the nation's hospitality and its provision of a foundation for significant historical progress. Akpabio drew parallels to the dismantling of apartheid, which he noted was achieved through united, determined action, and called upon the Global South to emulate this collective strength in confronting contemporary challenges. He asserted that unity and determination could overcome any obstacle, whether economic, political, or social.

Senator Akpabio also underscored Nigeria’s dedication to regional integration via platforms like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting that genuine development hinges on collaborative South-South initiatives grounded in trust, shared vision, and strategic alliances. He challenged the forum to ensure that the Rabat gathering is remembered not merely as a symposium of speeches but as a pivotal moment when the Global South actively united to ignite a beacon of common development.

Mohamed Ould Errachid, Chairman of the Forum and Speaker of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco and Chairman of ASSECAA, stressed the critical need for enhanced South-South cooperation to tackle global economic and security issues. He commended the participating nations for their commitment to dialogue, hailing the gathering as a demonstration of the Global South’s determination to shape its destiny and foster a future characterized by shared peace, prosperity, and dignity.

The forum continued with deliberations focused on establishing practical frameworks to strengthen interregional cooperation, economic resilience, security, and sustainable development among southern nations. Senator Akpabio led a delegation of eight senators to the conference, including Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, Senator Samaila Kaila, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Salihu Mustapha, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and Senator Titus Zam.