Akpabio urges South-South unity to tackle Global challenges at Rabat Forum

President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has called for stronger unity, solidarity, and collective action among nations of the Global South.

He made this call while addressing participants at the Third Edition of the South-South Parliamentary Dialogue Forum, which held in Rabat, Morocco.

Speaking on the theme “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,” Akpabio urged leaders of southern nations to move beyond exchanging words and embrace bold policies, industrial growth, and firm political cooperation.

“We meet here today not merely to exchange words, but to forge weapons — of ideas, of solidarity, of bold policy, and brave cooperation,” Akpabio stated. “The storms we face — economic upheavals, climate crises, political instability — will not be conquered by isolated efforts, but by united resolve.”

He commended Morocco for its rich historical and cultural contributions in bridging continents and expressed that gatherings like this should serve as platforms to reshape history. Drawing lessons from Africa’s liberation struggles, Akpabio stressed that challenges confronting the Global South today can only be overcome through collective strength and solidarity.

“No fortress of difficulty — economic, political, or social — can withstand the force of our unity and determination,” he affirmed.

Akpabio also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration through bodies like ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that sustainable development would come through united South-South collaborations anchored on trust, a shared vision, and practical partnerships.

Using an African proverb — “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” — Akpabio called on the forum to ensure the Rabat gathering would be remembered as a decisive moment when the Global South chose unity and cooperation.

In his closing remarks, he declared, “Let it be said of us, in the chronicles of tomorrow, that when history beckoned, we did not falter; when the moment demanded courage, we stood as one.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Forum and Speaker of the House of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Mohamed Ould Errachid, welcomed delegates and urged for stronger South-South ties in addressing economic and security issues, describing the event as proof of the Global South’s determination to take control of its destiny.

The conference continues in Rabat as participants deliberate on strategies to deepen interregional partnerships, enhance economic resilience, security cooperation, and advance sustainable development. Senator Akpabio led an eight-member Nigerian Senate delegation to the forum, including Senators Peter Nwaebonyi, Osita Ngwu, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Samaila Kaila, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Salihu Mustapha, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Titus Zam.