Luanda: The president of the Parliamentary Forum of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), Ado de Almeida, made an appeal in Luanda for member parliaments to fulfill their financial contributions promptly. Speaking at an event organized by the ICGLR, Almeida emphasized the importance of timely financial support from member states to ensure the organization's effective operation. According to Angola Press News Agency, Almeida addressed the need for diversifying funding sources, highlighting that the budget represents more than just financial management. He stated that it embodies the political commitments made by the states under the Security, Stability, and Development Pact for the Great Lakes Region. This budget is crucial for the regular functioning of the Forum's institutions and the implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, good governance, and regional integration. Almeida expressed concern over the organization's financial sustainability, noting its hea vy reliance on the regular payment of statutory contributions by member parliaments. He called for a stronger commitment from states to meet their financial obligations and encouraged the General Secretariat to enhance resource mobilization from international partners, including multilateral organizations, financial institutions, cooperation agencies, and foundations. He emphasized that such partnerships should supplement rather than replace the financial responsibilities of member states. On the political and humanitarian front, Almeida expressed solidarity with the peoples of Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to the ongoing armed conflict, insecurity in eastern Congo, and the resurgence of the Ebola virus. He reiterated that dialogue, regional cooperation, and parliamentary diplomacy remain key instruments for consolidating peace, strengthening political stability, and promoting sustainable development in the Great Lakes Region. The FP-CIRGL, established in 2008, is an interparliamentar y organization that unites the parliaments of 12 member states. The leadership rotates among member states, with Angola currently holding the presidency of the organization until 2027.
