The Pan-African Parliament, is the legislative body of the African Union and it held its inaugural session on 18 March 2004. Its 235 Parliamentary representatives are elected by the legislatures of 47 of the 54 AU Member States. The PAP was established to ensure that this continental body will act as a common platform for all the peoples of Africa and their grassroots organizations to get more involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges which beset Africa. There are numerous committees within the PAP and one of them is The Committee on Transport, Industry, Communications, Energy, Science and Technology.