Senior officials at a SADC summit are urged to address regional challenges spanning security, economic development and climate change. Speaking as chairperson of the SADC Standing Committee, Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo calls on member states to improve the implementation of regional commitments and to strengthen regional institutions responsible for executing SADC programmes. Seokolo’s remarks emphasise the need for coordinated action to tackle economic pressures across the bloc, alongside concerns related to security. The call also highlights the importance of responding to climate-related challenges facing SADC countries. The statements focus on practical steps, including better enforcement of existing decisions and stronger support for regional structures that enable collective planning and oversight. Overall, the messages point to the need for greater cooperation among member states to reduce shared risks and improve development outcomes. The summit discussion centres on how SADC can strengthen its effectiveness in delivering on priorities, particularly those linked to security, growth and climate resilience.