Our monthly round-up of the latest news, events and activities with the CPA and in Parliaments and Legislatures around the Commonwealth

This edition includes:

• CPA joins panel discussion on driving modernisation of Parliaments through AI
• A focus on combatting sexism as CPA attends 150th IPU Assembly in Uzbekistan
• CPA Secretary-General speaks to 'The Foreign Press Podcast' about the crucial role of legislators in addressing climate challenges
• Parliament of Eswatini signs MoU with CPA to continue its parliamentary reforms following Benchmarks assessment
• Victoria Speaker visits CPA Headquarters during UK Parliament visit
• CWP Newfoundland and Labrador recognise 100th anniversary of women’s vote
• Tonga Parliament launches Youth Parliament for young women leaders
• Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Chairperson attends 3rd Global Disability Summit in Berlin
• MPs from CPA Small Branches attend workshop on ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’ in the Isle of Man
• Isle of Man build on parliamentary links with Solomon Islands
• New Zealand delegation visits Pacific nations to promote parliamentary collaboration to address regional challenges
• New Parliament Building for Tonga
• How Parliaments across the world celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025
• Sikkim hosts CPA India Region Zone-III Executive Committee meeting
• New Commonwealth Secretary-General takes office

CPA joins panel discussion on driving modernisation of Parliaments through AI

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association joined a virtual panel discussion hosted by Bússola Tech on 16 April 2025 to discuss the role of Clerks and Secretaries-General of Parliaments in driving modernisation through technology and innovation. The session explored the strategic leadership roles played by parliamentary officials in evaluating, guiding and implementing modernisation efforts within legislative institutions.

The CPA’s Deputy Head of Programmes, James Pinnell joined Kevin McCumber, Clerk of the US House of Representatives; Eric Janse, Clerk of the House of Commons of Canada; Grant Vergottini, CEO of Xcential Legislative Technologies, together with panel host, Luís Kimaid, Executive Director of Bússola Tech.

The panel discussion addressed the role of Parliamentary staff in anticipating emerging technologies and equipping Parliaments to adapt. From AI to remote deliberation, the panellists stressed the importance of future-proofing legislative processes through proactive leadership and principled experimentation. Watch the panel discussion here.

The CPA contributed to a new book about ‘Artificial Intelligence in Legislative Services: Principles for Effective Implementation’ that was published at the end of 2024. Developed by Bússola Tech in partnership with the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil), the book provides collective insights into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance parliamentary services with reflections from parliamentary staff, academics and technology experts.

Find out more about the AI book and request a copy by clicking here.

A focus on combatting sexism as CPA attends 150th IPU Assembly in Uzbekistan

A delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Legislators from across the Commonwealth attended the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 5 to 9 April 2025.

The IPU Assembly saw the launch of a joint report by IPU, CPA, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network (CWP) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) that examined the nature of sexism, harassment and violence against women in Parliaments across several CPA Regions (Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and Pacific Regions).

At the IPU Assembly, Members welcomed the National Assembly of Belize as the IPU’s 182nd Member Parliament. The IPU’s membership comprises 182 out of the 193 national Parliaments in the world.

The CPA held a side event at the IPU Assembly attended by the Speakers of the Parliaments of Zambia, Guyana and Barbados, and Members of Parliament from Zambia and Malaysia. At the meeting, the CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya gave an update on the CPA’s recent change of Status to an International Inter-Parliamentary Organisation. 

To read about the activities of the CPA at the IPU Assembly please click here to read the news story.

Above: CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya joins representatives from IPU and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) at the launch of a new report on violence against women in Parliaments across several CPA Regions (Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and Pacific Regions).

CPA Secretary-General speaks to 'The Foreign Press Podcast' about the crucial role of legislators in addressing climate challenges

CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg has spoken to Alan Herrera from 'The Foreign Press Podcast' about the crucial role of legislators in addressing climate challenges.

With over 180 Legislatures across the Commonwealth, the CPA fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing and policy development to strengthen parliamentary responses to the climate crisis. From holding governments accountable to crafting impactful environmental legislation, Parliaments play a key role in shaping a sustainable future.

This episode was developed in partnership with Arizona State University's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. The Foreign Press Correspondents Association is an organisation working with US media correspondents based in London and other global cities.

Listen to the Podcast conversation exploring how global cooperation through the CPA can turn climate commitments into real action – click here to listen and download.

Victoria Speaker visits CPA Headquarters during UK Parliament visit

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria, Hon. Maree Edwards, MP, met with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg during a visit to the UK Parliament on 29 April 2025. The CPA Secretary-General briefed the Speaker on the latest activities of the CPA and its work in the CPA Australia Region.

The Speaker was accompanied by Ms Bridget Noonan, Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria.

Above: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria, Hon. Maree Edwards, MP, met with CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

To find out more about the CPA Victoria Branch please click here.

Parliament of Eswatini signs MoU with CPA to continue its parliamentary reforms following Benchmarks assessment

The President of the Senate of Eswatini and Joint CPA Eswatini Branch President, Senator Hon. Lindiwe Dlamini has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the Parliament of Eswatini with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg to continue its parliamentary reforms in line with the CPA's Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures. The signing took place during a visit to Westminster on 2 April 2025.

In September 2024, the Parliament of Eswatini undertook a self-assessment of the Legislature against the CPA’s Benchmarks resulting in an outcomes report which provided recommendations to strengthen the governance, independence and administration of the Parliament. The outcomes report also plays an important role in developing the effectiveness of the Parliament of Eswatini and contributes to its implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Parliament of Eswatini was supported during the self-assessment by a CPA delegation which included parliamentary staff from the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. The assessment included an extensive consultation with a large cross-section of stakeholders, including the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the President of the Senate, current and former Members as well as representatives of Eswatini’s Government, various national agencies, civil society groups and media personnel.

The CPA Secretary-General said:

“Effective Parliaments are the cornerstone of good governance, and the CPA works to ensure that Legislatures can function to their maximum potential. Self-assessment against the CPA Benchmarks ensures that Parliaments can vigorously scrutinise their practices and procedures to become better performing Legislatures and the ongoing support provided by the CPA through our Technical Assistance Programmes can further strengthen parliamentary processes and confidence.”

To find out more about the CPA Benchmarks please click here.

CWP Newfoundland and Labrador recognise 100th anniversary of women’s vote

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada marked a special anniversary with 100 years since women gained the right to vote and hold public office in the Province.

Achieving this right for women in Newfoundland and Labrador was an arduous process, having been considered by the House of Assembly twice in the late 1800s and defeated both times. When the issue of the social and economic importance of women’s work and their entitlement to the franchise returned to the Assembly for consideration in the mid-1920s, the House was persuaded and amendments allowing women the right to vote passed on 3 April 1925.

Members of the CWP from Newfoundland and Labrador joined the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Minister of Women and Gender Equality as well as current and former Members at a special event at the Confederation Building where a new display was unveiled honouring a century of remarkable women.

While recognising the milestone towards equality, CWP Members also recognised that it was many more years before those in Labrador as well as Indigenous women were able to cast their ballots.

The Deputy Speaker and CWP Newfoundland and Labrador Chair, Hon. Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA said:

“As Chair of the CWP NL Chapter, I am pleased to join with my CWP colleagues to mark this significant occasion in our history. Today, we stand on the shoulders of women who boldly put themselves forward and were elected to serve before us, starting with Lady Helena Squires who was the first woman elected to serve in our Legislature in 1930. With only 39 other women elected in our Legislature since that time, this anniversary reminds us that we must continue to remain committed to the CWP’s mission of promoting the representation of women.”

Above: Women Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly recognise the 100th anniversary since women gained the right to vote and hold public office in the Province. Image credit: House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tonga Parliament launches Youth Parliament for young women leaders

The Parliament of Tonga launched ‘She Leads Fale Alea 2025’, a programme for 30 young women who take on the role of Parliamentarians over the course of a two-day session in the Parliamentary Chamber.

The Clerk of Parliament, Gloria Pole’o, reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to nurturing young women leaders and emphasised the importance of inclusivity, civic education and intergenerational dialogue. The launch event also welcomed the Deputy Speaker of the Kiribati Parliament, Hon. Ruta Babo Nemta and Deputy Clerk, Kakiata Tikataake, highlighting the value of Pacific collaboration and shared learning.

The theme of the Youth Parliament sessions is ‘Sustainability and Resilience’, which speaks to the critical role that young women play in addressing national challenges and shaping a sustainable future for Tonga. Organised by Take the Lead Tonga in partnership with the Parliament of Tonga, ‘She Leads Fale Alea’ is the only programme of its kind in the Pacific which provides an opportunity for young women to engage directly with parliamentary processes and develop their leadership skills.

Throughout the week, participants will dive into key parliamentary concepts including legislative processes, rules of procedure and the responsibilities of elected officials. Expert-led workshops and interactive training sessions will help strengthen their civic knowledge and leadership potential.

Above: Participants in the Tonga 'She Leads Fale Alea 2025' programme for young women leaders. Image credit: Parliament of Tonga.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Chairperson attends 3rd Global Disability Summit in Berlin

The International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Government of Germany and the Government of Jordan co-hosted the third Global Disability Summit (GDS25) in Berlin on 2 and 3 April 2025.

Among the 3,000 attendees was the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Chairperson, Hon. Laura Kanushu, MP (Uganda) who highlighted the work of the network and the importance of promoting inclusive Parliaments. 

This year’s Summit focussed on accelerating disability inclusion and strengthening international cooperation on disability rights. GDS25 aimed to drive forward actions that promote inclusive development under the guiding principles of ‘leaving no one behind’ and ‘nothing about us without us’ to achieve the Agenda 2030 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. 

Above: Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Chairperson, Hon. Laura Kanushu, MP speaking at the 3rd Global Disability Summit in Berlin.

To read more about the Global Disability Summit - click here to read the CPwD news story.

MPs from CPA Small Branches attend workshop on ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’ in the Isle of Man

Parliamentary representatives from around the Commonwealth attended the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Small Branches Workshop 2025 from 31 March to 4 April 2025, under the theme ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’.

The Speaker of the Tynwald House of Keys at the Parliament of the Isle of Man who hosted the Workshop, Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK said:

“It was great to see the enthusiasm in such a diverse group of delegates from all over the mall branches of the Commonwealth here in the Isle of Man. The Commonwealth, especially our Small Branches Network, is a unique forum that brings together Parliamentarians facing similar challenges. Through interactions with experts and each other, we all go away better informed and better equipped to solve problems back home.”

Delegates heard from political and policy experts and former legislators in a series of sessions focussed on accountability mechanisms, separation of powers, parliamentary financial oversight, the role of Parliament in budgeting and oversight of government and civil society.

Speakers of Parliament from Tuvalu, Isle of Man and St Kitts and Nevis attended the Workshop, as did the Deputy Speakers of Malta, Fiji, Australian Capital Territory and Seychelles and the President of the Senate of Saint Lucia. Legislators from Jersey, Guernsey, St Helena, Samoa and Tasmania also attended.

To read the news story about the CPA Small Branches Workshop please click here.

Above: Commonwealth Parliamentarians in the Tynwald Chamber at the Parliament of the Isle of Man during the CPA Small Branches Workshop. Image credit: Parliament of Isle of Man.

To find out more about the CPA Small Branches network please click here.

Isle of Man build on parliamentary links with Solomon Islands

The Clerk of Tynwald, the Parliament of the Isle of Man, Jonathan King has joined a visit to the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands as part of a continuing exchange programme in April 2025. The Isle of Man Clerk met with the Speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament and Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Patteson John Oti, to discuss parliamentary procedure and management.

Since 2022, the National Parliament of Solomon Islands has been working with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) to facilitate two capacity-building visits by Tynwald staff to the Solomon Islands and exchange visits to the Isle of Man in return.

A delegation from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands including the Deputy Speaker and the Clerk visited the Isle of Man earlier this year as part of a wider visit to the UK.

Above: The Clerk of Tynwald, Jonathan King meeting with the Speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament, Hon. Patteson John Oti.

New Zealand delegation visits Pacific nations to promote parliamentary collaboration to address regional challenges

A cross-party delegation from the New Zealand Parliament visited the Pacific Region to strengthen ties and explore areas of mutual cooperation. The delegation visit from 10 to 17 April 2025 was led by the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP and included the Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

In Tonga, the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister launched the design for Tonga’s new Legislative Assembly building - Fale Alea which will be built to replace the original structure damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018. The Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua speaking via video message (as he was overseas on official duties) and expressed heartfelt appreciation for New Zealand and Australia's support for the construction project which demonstrates regional cooperation. Members of Parliament were given a preview of the new building’s design and facilities.

Above: The New Zealand delegation at the Parliament of Tonga.

In Hawai’i, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and the cross-party delegation were welcomed at the East-West Center to meet university staff before going on to meet with State Governor Josh Green and State Transportation Director Ed Sniffen.

During a brief stop-over in Fiji, the New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister met with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and committed to further cooperation with Fiji to address growing regional challenges.

Above: The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP met with the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka during a stopover in Fiji.

In Port-Vila, the Speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, Hon. Stephen Dorrick Felix, along with the Leader of the Opposition, Members of Parliament and the Clerk welcomed the New Zealand parliamentary delegation before holding a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the partnership and collaboration between the two Parliaments.

Above: The New Zealand delegation with Members and parliamentary staff from the Parliament of Vanuatu.

Speaking about the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasised New Zealand’s long-term commitment to the Pacific, saying:

"New Zealand's commitment to the Pacific is long-term and endures through successive governments and across the political spectrum. That’s why we are visiting the region with a senior delegation from across our Parliament to listen to our partners and learn more about the Pacific’s priorities."

New Parliament Building for Tonga

The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon. Winston Peters, MP launched the design for Tonga’s new Legislative Assembly building - Fale Alea on 11 April 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister led a cross-party delegation from New Zealand as part of a Pacific mission, where they visited the current temporary Parliament chamber for the announcement.

The Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua welcomed the New Zealand delegation via video message (as he was overseas on official duties) and expressed heartfelt appreciation for New Zealand and Australia's support for the construction project which demonstrates regional cooperation saying: “This design brings us closer to our mission of building a resilient and inclusive Parliament for all.”

The new Parliament building will replace the original structure damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018 and is designed to reflect Tonga’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating modern materials for enhanced climate resilience.

Andrew Tu’inukuafe, Principal Architect and Chairman of Warren and Mahoney, presented the building design to Members of Parliament, explaining that the innovative structure will feature a new public viewing gallery (a first for Fale Alea), public consultation spaces, a dedicated education and outreach centre and a broadcast studio for media.

Youth voices were also highlighted with Youth Parliament members having input into the design. Elizabeth Kite, founder of Take the Lead and She Leads Fale Alea, acknowledged the role of young leaders in shaping a more inclusive future for Tonga's governance.

Above: The model design for the new Parliament building in Tonga.

How Parliaments across the world celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025

‘Together We Thrive’: Activities from Commonwealth Parliaments during Commonwealth Day 2025

Commonwealth Day 2025 was marked on 10 March. CPA Branches in Commonwealth Parliaments worldwide hosted various activities to commemorate the occasion, bringing together Parliamentarians, young leaders and community members. They highlighted this year’s theme, 'Together We Thrive', by celebrating unity, diversity and the shared values and principles of the Commonwealth.

You can read more about these activities here.

You can also read here about the activities of the CPA’s Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) during his visit to London for Commonwealth Day this year.

Sikkim hosts CPA India Region Zone-III Executive Committee meeting

The Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and Chair of CPA India Region Zone-III, Hon. Sharingain Longkumer chaired the CPA India Region Zone-III and North-East Regional Institute of Parliamentary Studies, Training and Research (NERIPSTR) Joint Executive Committee meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim from 2 to 5 April 2025. The Speaker of Nagaland emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening legislative practices. Members were hosted by the Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Hon. Shri Mingma Norbu Sherpa, MLA with Members and parliamentary staff attending from Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya and Manipur.

Members also visited the Rumtek Monastery and saw the work of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries Department of the Nagaland Government.

Members discussed a proposal for the 22nd Annual Conference of the CPA India Region Zone-III to take place in Kohima, Nagaland in November 2025 (subject to approval by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha).

Above: Speakers and Members of the India Region Zone-III in Gangtok, Sikkim.

New Commonwealth Secretary-General takes office

In April 2025, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, the former Ghanaian Foreign Minister, succeeded Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, becoming the 7th Commonwealth Secretary-General. She is the second woman to hold the role and the second person from an African nation.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General is responsible for the day-to-day work of the Commonwealth, promoting the values of the Commonwealth Charter and exercising their “good offices for peace” to mediate between member states. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is chosen by consensus by Commonwealth leaders.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters on 1 April 2025, she said:

“The world we woke up to today is unlike any we have seen in our lifetimes. The consequences of lower economic growth, increased defence expenditures, and a frayed multilateralism will affect our pockets directly, increase unemployment and poverty, reduce social protection and weaken our resilience to shocks.

“The value of our Commonwealth stands in bold relief, in a time like this. For over 75 years, the Commonwealth has been a unique and powerful force for good. Now we must seize the moment to realise the transformation our societies seek."

In an interview with the CPA during the election campaign for the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey identified her priorities for the role:

"The members of the Commonwealth want an institution that is relevant to their efforts to build resilience - democratic resilience, economic resilience and climate resilience. To realise that goal, there is a need for a transformative vision, strategic partnerships and the revival of confidence and support of the Member Countries. This is fundamental for mobilizing the required resources."

Above: At the end of her first few days in office, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General was received by His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth at Windsor Castle. The King is also the Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Image credit: PA/Buckingham Palace/Commonwealth Secretariat.

Click here to read about the relationship between the CPA and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

To stay informed about the latest CPA news and actvities in Commonwealth Parliaments:

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