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

Youth Parliament Toolkit launched for Commonwealth Parliaments

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have developed a new Youth Parliament Toolkit, coinciding with the Commonwealth Year of Youth in 2023/2024 - a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development. As the publication highlights, the shape and scope of a Youth Parliament or its equivalent youth engagement programme can vary from place to place, nevertheless whatever approach is taken, its need cannot be underestimated. To read more and download a copy please click here.

CPA human rights webinar marks 100 days to CHOGM 2024

Commonwealth Parliamentarians from Seychelles, New Zealand and Samoa examined the role of democratic institutions in upholding human rights protections in a climate of increasing erosion of citizens’ rights during a CPA webinar. The CPA webinar marked 100 days to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this year in Samoa. Click here to find out more.

Canadian Parliamentarians attend 60th CPA Canadian Regional Conference in Ontario

Over 50 Commonwealth Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Clerks discussed the challenges facing Legislatures at the 60th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Canada Regional Conference, which took place in Toronto, Ontario from 20 to 27 July 2024.

The CPA Canada Regional Conference was attended by Members of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Legislatures of the Region, as well as the Acting CPA Chairperson and Speaker of the Barbados House of Assembly, Hon. Arthur Holder, MHA, and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in Australia, Hon. Maree Edwards, MLA. To read more about the event please click here.

Above: Speakers and Deputy Speakers from across the CPA Canada Region in the Chamber at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Challenges of ‘deepfakes and disinformation’ at CPA and UNDP Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation in Singapore

Commonwealth Parliamentarians joined leading experts at the CPA and UNDP Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation held in Singapore from 18 to 20 June 2024. The Conference aimed to raise awareness about the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and synthetic media and their implications for democracies. Delegates also visited AI Singapore, one of the leading research companies working with new technologies and the national AI programme, as well as the Parliament of Singapore where they met with the Deputy Speaker. To read more about the event please click here.

First CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency programme for Parliamentary Clerks takes place in Sri Lanka

Over forty Commonwealth Clerks and parliamentary officials from across the CPA’s membership attended the CPA Advanced Residency Programme for Leadership in Parliament in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 9 to 15 June 2024. This was the first Residency Programme held for Clerks and parliamentary officials as part of the CPA Parliamentary Academy. To read more about the event please click here.

CPA Secretary-General visits Parliament of Malaysia and Selangor State Legislative Assembly

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg has visited the Parliament of Malaysia and the Selangor State Legislative Assembly between 19 and 21 June 2024.

The CPA Secretary-General met with Speaker of the Malaysia House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), Hon Tan Sri Dato' Johari bin Abdul, MP followed by a tour of the Parliament of Malaysia and a panel discussion on ‘The power and purpose of parliamentary diplomacy: Strengthening relations among Commonwealth nations’ alongside the Deputy President of the Senate of Malaysia.

Subsequently, the CPA Secretary-General visited the Selangor State Legislative Assembly where he was received by the Speaker, Hon. Lau Weng San, met with State Members and toured the Parliamentary Chamber. To read about the visits to Malaysia and Selangor please click here.

Pakistan Senators meet with CPA Secretary-General

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg met with three Senators from the Senate of Pakistan at the CPA Headquarters during their visit to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani (Balochistan) and Senator Ashraf Ali Jatoi (Sindh) were able to hear about the work of the CPA in Pakistan and the wider CPA Asia Region.

Speaker of Queensland meets with CPA Secretary-General

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, Hon. Curtis Pitt, MP, met with the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg during a visit to the UK Parliament on 3 July 2024.

The CPA Secretary-General briefed the Speaker, who is also a Member of the CPA Executive Committee for the CPA Australia Region, on recent activities and the CPA’s work across the Commonwealth.

The CPA Queensland Branch hosted the 40th CPA Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in Brisbane in November 2023. The CPA Australian Region includes the national Australian Federal Parliament and eight subnational Legislatures across Australia, ranging from Western Australia in the west to New South Wales in the east and Queensland in the north-east.

Parliament of Niue undertakes CPA Democratic Benchmarks assessment to focus on parliamentary strengthening and reform

A delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters met with the Parliament of Niue as part of a CPA Benchmarks self-assessment. As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with the Speaker of the Niue Assembly, the Clerk and Members of Parliament as well as Assembly staff, Cabinet Ministers, government officials, national agencies, village councils and representatives of Niuean civil society. To read more about the visit please click here.

Montserrat Legislature endorses new Privileges Bill for Members

The Legislative Assembly of Montserrat has recently passed the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Bill which provides protections to the Members and staff of the Legislature in the exercise of their duties. The new regulations were one of a number of recommendations that arose from a self-assessment of the Legislative Assembly against the CPA's Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures undertaken in 2022. Read more about this new legislation.

Disaster risk decision-making on the agenda for Commonwealth politicians at CPA workshop for small Parliaments

Commonwealth Parliamentarians came together with policy experts at a CPA Small Branches Workshop on Legislative Leadership for Environmental Resilience in Hawaii, USA from 23 to 25 July 2024 in partnership with the East-West Center and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory ASU, both experts in this field of research and policy development.

Delegates attended from CPA Branches in Antigua and Barbuda, Australian Capital Territory, British Virgin Islands, Niue, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands and Tuvalu. To read more about the CPA Small Branches Workshop please click here.

Canadian Women Parliamentarians focus on highlighting women in leadership and entrepreneurial roles

Ahead of the CPA Canada Regional Conference in Ontario, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Canada Regional Conference also took place. The CWP Canada Regional Chair, Hon. Susan Leblanc, MLA (Nova Scotia) chaired the Steering Committee meeting and CWP delegates engaged in sessions focusing on the theme of ‘Women in Action’. To read more please click here.

Above: The CWP Canada Regional Steering Committee meet in Ontario.

Fiji holds Mock Women’s Parliament to encourage inclusive representation

The Parliament of Fiji held a Women’s Mock Parliament from 29 to 31 July 2024. The 3-day event was organised to bring together diverse voices from across the country to engage in legislative training and discussions. The 56 women participants had the chance to debate three motions. The proposals debated an increase in the budget for maternal healthcare services in rural villages, prioritising environmental conservation initiatives that directly impact women and introducing initiatives to increase representation of women in decision-making processes at all levels of government and society.

The Deputy Speaker in the Fijian Parliament and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua formally opened the proceedings and said that

"the event aims to provide the opportunity for women to build their capacity and confidence to participate in democratic and decision-making processes, and to become changemakers in their communities which hopefully would inspire them to contest for elected positions."

Participants also heard from Niue Member of Parliament, Hon. Rhonda Tiakia, who shared her own experiences of being a woman Parliamentarian and encouraged those present to engage in politics. The Speaker of the Fiji Parliament, Hon. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu presented participants with certificates at the close of the session.

The event was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Fiji Parliament Support Project in partnership with the Ggovernments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Scottish MSP visits CPA Headquarters to discuss activities promoting gender equality in the Commonwealth

The Acting CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Representative, Sarah Boyack, MSP (Scottish Parliament) visited the CPA Headquarters for a briefing on the work of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network across the CPA BIM Region and the wider Commonwealth with the CPA’s Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya and the CWP Coordinator, Benite Dibateza.

Speaker of Bangladesh visits Parliament of Malaysia

On 5 July 2024, the Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP visited the Parliament of Malaysia where she met with the Speaker of the Malaysia House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), Hon Tan Sri Dato' Dr Johari bin Abdul, MP followed by a tour of the Parliament Chamber.

The Bangladesh Speaker was also welcomed by the Chief Administrator of the Malaysian Parliament, Datuk Haji Muhamad Zamani bin Mohd Ali and the Secretary to the Malaysia House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), Dr Nizam Mydin bin Bacha Mydin, who is the CPA Malaysia Branch Secretary.

Bangladesh is a CPA Branch in the CPA Asia Region, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and The Maldives, while Malaysia is part of the CPA South-East Asia Region comprising the national Parliaments of Malaysia and Singapore as well as 13 State Legislatures in Malaysia. The Speaker of Bangladesh is also a former CPA Chairperson

Above: The Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, MP toured the Parliament of Malaysia with the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), Hon Tan Sri Dato' Dr Johari bin Abdul, MP.

Ghana MPs visit Parliament of Malawi

The Parliament of Malawi has hosted a delegation of Members of Parliament from Ghana who are in the country on a benchmarking visit on an Open Government Partnership.

The visiting delegation met with the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Madalitso Kazombo, MP and the CPA Malawi Branch Secretary and Clerk of Parliament, Fiona Kalemba.

New Zealand Speaker visits Sri Lanka and Singapore Parliaments

The Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, MP has led a delegation to the Parliaments of Sri Lanka and Singapore.

The New Zealand delegation were greeted by the Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in Colombo who expressed his gratitude for the visit and the ongoing links between the two countries. The New Zealand delegation comprised Hon. Dr Carlos Cheung, MP; Hon. Andy Foster, MP; Hon. Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, MP; and Hon. Lawrence Xu-Nan, MP.

Sri Lankan Member of Parliament, Hon. Niroshan Perera, who is the President of the Sri Lanka-New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Association, welcomed the delegation and said that the visit will further strengthen the relationship between the Parliaments of the two countries as well as in other areas such as sport and commerce.

Subsequently, the Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore, Hon. Seah Kian Peng, MP received the New Zealand delegation and outlined that Singapore and New Zealand enjoy ‘warm and friendly relations’ and next year marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.

During their meeting, they discussed a range of important issues, including addressing the challenges of the cost of living, leveraging Artificial Intelligence for societal improvement and enhancing social cohesion and harmony in multicultural societies.

Victoria Speaker and Deputy Clerk visit British Columbia Legislature

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria in Australia, Hon. Maree Edwards, MP and the Deputy Clerk, Vaughn Koop visited the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Canada where they were received by the Speaker, Hon. Raj Chouhan, MLA and the Clerk, Kate Ryan-Lloyd.

Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu MPs visit Queensland Parliament as part of parliamentary twinning

The Parliament of Queensland welcomed delegations of Parliamentarians from Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in June 2024.

The Acting Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, Mr Joe Kelly, MP presented the Parliamentarians from Papua New Guinea with a framed replica of David Hart’s ‘Australia Mural’; the original hangs on the walls of the Queensland Parliament and depicts some of the story of Australia following colonisation and the new life symbolised by flowers.

The following week, the Clerk of the Queensland Parliament, Mr Neil Laurie welcomed the Speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, Hon. Suele Simeon and Members of Parliament.

The visits provided an opportunity to renew the twinning between the Parliaments – which takes place under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the CPA Pacific and CPA Australia Regions and supports parliamentary strengthening, training and exchanges across the two Regions. The Queensland Parliament is ‘twinned’ with the Parliaments of Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu and these partnerships extend to cultural and economic connections as well as parliamentary exchanges.

Victoria MPs visit Tuvalu Parliament to provide induction programme

Two Members of the Victorian Legislative Council, Hon. Wendy Lovell, MLC and Hon. Michael Galea, MLC shared their parliamentary knowledge and experience at an induction programme for Members of the Tuvalu Parliament in July 2024.

“We did some really interesting work, and the government has already made changes as a result of our discussions, including scheduling additional sitting days later in the year. We also had the opportunity to see firsthand some of the work Australia is doing in land reclamation and renewal of their port” Hon. Wendy Lovell explained.

The Victorian and Tuvalu Parliaments are part of a CPA twinning programme that supports joint professional learning and capacity building among MPs and parliamentary staff in the CPA Pacific and CPA Australia Regions.

Falklands Islands Members visit Canadian Parliament

Members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly, Hon. Teslyn Barkman, MLA and Hon. Gavin Short, MLA visited the Parliament of Canada where they met with Canadian Parliamentarians led by the CPA Canada Federal Branch Chairperson, Hon. Alexandra Mendès, MP, Assistant Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. The discussions focused on issues of common interest, including democratic governance, fisheries and education.

The visit followed the Falkland Islands’ Members addressing the Committee 24 of the United Nations in New York to present the case for Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination under the UN Charter.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians undertake Election Observation mission of the UK General Election

The CPA British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Region deployed a team of 32 impartial parliamentary observers from around the Commonwealth to conduct an Election Assessment Mission of the 2024 UK General Election from 2 to 4 July 2024.

The team travelled to eight constituencies across the UK to observe and assess the electoral process. The constituencies were carefully selected to provide a broad sample, covering a variety of demographics, regions and voting patterns. The teams visited polling stations and spoke to election officials and political representatives to see how the election is run in those locations.

Parliamentarians joined the team from Alderney, Anguilla, Australia, Grenada, Guernsey, Jersey, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks and Caicos. The team also had the opportunity to meet with the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

Above: The CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region's Election Observation team at the 2024 UK General Election.

The Electoral team was led by Hon. Dr Otiende Amollo, MP (Kenya), who said:

“I know from my own experience that election missions play an important role in strengthening democracies. Our role included observing the democratic process, sharing our findings and making recommendations in line with international best practice.”

Following the mission, the team made recommendations for future UK General Elections, supporting the UK’s ability to benefit and learn from its membership of the Commonwealth.

CPA Africa Region Budget Committee meet in Botswana

The Treasurer for the CPA Africa Region, Hon. Ntombi Mekgwe, MPL (Gauteng) chaired the Budget Committee meeting held on 5 July 2024 in Botswana. Members of the Committee considered the financial statements for the Region and proposed budgets for CPA Africa and SoCATT Africa activities.

Above: Members of the CPA Africa Region Budget Committee met in Botswana.

Jersey and Guernsey Parliaments hold special sittings to mark royal visit

HM King Charles III, Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, together with Queen Camilla visited the islands of Jersey and Guernsey on 15 and 16 July 2024.

In Jersey, the royal couple attended a historic Jersey States Assembly Sitting and Sitting of the Royal Court which took place in Royal Square in St Helier. The open-air sitting saw Their Majesties preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms carrying the Royal Mace of 1663, gifted to the Island by King Charles II in recognition of the Island’s loyalty to the Crown.

The royal couple were welcomed by the Bailiff of Jersey and President of the States, Hon. Sir Timothy Le Cocq, who is also the CPA Jersey Branch President, and met with Deputies and States staff. In recognition of the visit, the islanders enjoyed a bank holiday.

Above: The royal visits to Jersey and Guernsey took place with open-air sittings of both Legislatures.

In Guernsey, a special sitting of the States of Deliberation was held on the seafront in St Peter Port with King Charles and Queen Camilla attending. The royal couple were welcomed by the Bailiff of Guernsey and President of the States, Sir Richard McMahon, who is also the CPA Guernsey Branch President.

The States sitting was followed by a Ceremony of Homage, a tradition that has historically been observed when the sovereign first visits Guernsey. The ceremony is held in French, where historic title holders, Seigneurs and Dames of Guernsey pay homage to the monarch.

Royal visit marks 25 years of the Welsh Parliament

HM King Charles III, Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, together with Queen Camilla visited the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) on 11 July 2024 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Legislature.

The royal couple were welcomed by the Llywydd (Presiding Officer) and CPA Wales Branch President, Hon. Elin Jones, MS and the First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon. Vaughan Gething, MS. The event included poetry readings and musical performances and the royal couple met with Members, Senedd staff and representatives of the Welsh Youth Parliament.

The King said:

“Over the last twenty-five years, the Senedd has become more than a symbol. It has become essential to the life of Wales. As we look back over the last quarter century in the long journey of our history, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations – llongyfarchiadau mawr – on all you have achieved.”

53rd Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference for Pacific and Australia Regions in Adelaide, South Australia

Parliamentarians from the Australia and Pacific Regions have met for the 53rd Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC), hosted by Parliament of South Australia in Adelaide from 8 to 12 July 2024.

More than 50 Presiding Officers, Speakers and Clerks from 18 Parliaments in the Pacific and Australia Regions attended the conference.

The POCC conference was attended by the CPA President, Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of New South Wales and the CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Joy Burch, MLA, Speaker of the Australian Capital Territory. To read more about the Conference please click here.

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

• Visit our news page

• Read the CPA's quarterly Journal, The Parliamentarian

• Read our publications and blogs

• Listen to our Podcasts

• Follow the CPA on social media

• Sign-up to our mailing list