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:

• 53rd Regional Conference of the CPA Africa Region in Tanzania
• Visits to the CPA Secretariat from Malaysia, the Punjab (Pakistan) and Assam (India)
• The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Parliament of Samoa
• A webinar on engaging Parliaments in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council
• CPA attends Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva
• 44th CPA Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar in Alberta
• The Niue Assembly marks the 50th anniversary of its independence
• The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 in Samoa
• The 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in New South Wales
• New Zealand Parliament hosts Tāhuna a Tara for 14 Pacific Legislatures
• Royal visits to New South Wales and Australia Federal Parliaments

53rd CPA Africa Regional Conference takes place in Tanzania

From 30 September to 5 October 2024, Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across Africa met in Arusha, Tanzania to attend the 53rd CPA Africa Regional Conference on the theme of ‘African Parliaments at the forefront of addressing existential global challenges: food, insecurity, climate change and youth unemployment.’ 

Over 280 Parliamentarians and Parliamentary staff from across the Region were in attendance, including 10 Speakers of African National Assemblies.

The Vice-President of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Philip Mpango, gave the keynote address and the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg also addressed delegates.

To read more about the 53rd CPA African Regional Conference please click here.

Engaging Parliaments in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council

On 3 October 2024, an online briefing on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the Human Rights Council was held for Commonwealth Parliamentarians. The event was organised jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

17 Parliamentarians and 7 parliamentary officials/clerks from 12 jurisdictions attended the event. These included the following CPA Branches: Belize, Canada, Cyprus, Malaysia, Malta, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Read about the event here.

New project report highlights successes in strengthening parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth

A new report highlights successes in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Good Governance Project, with funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to further parliamentary democracy and good governance across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Good Governance Project 2023/2024 Outcome Report has been developed to provide a summary overview of the project and assess the success of the project against its planned outputs and outcomes. The report provides a background to the project, a summary of outcomes and key learnings as well as case studies from Fiji, Tonga, Namibia, The Maldives, Kiribati, Lesotho, Samoa and The Gambia.

Read about the report outcomes here or download the full report below.

CPA launches new Parliamentary Academy online human rights course

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has launched a new online course for its Parliamentary Academy - 'Human Rights; A Parliament's Role'. This new human rights course will provide Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with a comprehensive understanding of human rights and the critical role that Parliaments play in their protection and promotion.

The CPA Parliamentary Academy has been developed for the benefit of the CPA’s membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. It provides parliamentary professional development courses online and through Academy residency events.

To read more about the new course please click here.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians champion multilateralism and digital governance at 149th IPU Assembly

Commonwealth Parliamentarians attended the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 17 October 2024. The overarching theme of the event was on ‘Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for a More Peaceful and Sustainable Future’.

The CPA’s Deputy Head of Programmes (Multilateral Engagement), James Pinnell, contributed to an Expert Consultation, convened by the IPU and UNDP immediately after the close of the IPU Assembly, on “Parliamentary engagement in digital policy”. 

The Expert Consultation included Parliaments from the CPA membership and beyond, as well as international partners such as the National Democratic Institute, the Internet Governance Forum, the Organisation of American States, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, ParlAmericas, UNESCO and the UN Human Rights Office. 

CPA Secretary-General meets with the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Pakistan 

On 8 October 2024, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Pakistan, Hon. Malik Ahmad Khan
met with CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg. Dr Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, was also present.

They discussed the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and the first joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference, due to take place from 6 to 10 February 2025 in Lahore, Pakistan.

To read more about the forthcoming CPA Regional Conference please click here.

CPA Secretary-General meets with the Deputy President of the Senate of Malaysia 

Also on 8 October 2024, CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg met with Hon. Datuk Nur Jazlan bin Tan Sri Mohamedmet, Deputy President of the Senate of Malaysia.

They discussed the work of the CPA and areas in which the organisation could assist the Malaysian Parliament.

CPA Secretary-General visits Parliament of Samoa to sign memorandum of understanding 

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg visited the Parliament of Samoa in Apia on 24 October 2024.

The CPA Secretary-General met with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, Hon. Papalii Lio Oloipola Taeu Masipau and briefed Members of the CPA Samoa Branch on the latest activities of the CPA, its work in the CPA Pacific Region and preparations for the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney the following month.

During the CPA Branch visit, the CPA Secretary General and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the outcomes of the CPA Democratic Benchmarks Assessment that took place earlier this year and outlining a roadmap for technical assistance over the next two years from November 2024 to November 2026.

CPA Secretary-General meets with Bodo Writers' Academy

On 11 October 2024, CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg welcomed a delegation from the Bodo Writers’ Academy to the CPA Secretariat Headquarters. The visit was coordinated by the Assembly of Assam, India.

They discussed the work of their academy and the activities of the CPA.

Read more about the CPA Assam Branch here.

CPA Secretaries-General meet in London

During a visit to Westminster on 27 November 2024, the 4th CPA Secretary-General, Hon. Arthur Donahoe met with the current 8th CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

Mr Donahoe was the CPA Secretary-General from 1993 to 2001 and also a former Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly (1981–1991).

CPA Deputy Secretary-General visits CPA Scotland Branch 

The CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya visited The Scottish Parliament to meet with the Presiding Officer and CPA Scotland Branch President, Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone, MSP as well as Members of the CPA Scotland Branch Executive Committee including Sarah Boyack, MSP, Jeremy Balfour, MSP and Stuart McMillan, MSP, for their AGM. The Scottish Parliament recently celebrated their 25th anniversary.

India’s Prime Minister visits Parliament of Guyana

The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi has addressed a special sitting of the Parliament of Guyana in Georgetown on 20 November 2024. 

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, MP suspended the 87th Legislative Sitting to receive the Prime Minister of India, along with the Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Anthony Phillips, MP. The historic event was held in the Dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal and saw Members of Parliament, the diplomatic community and specially invited guests attend. 

Above: Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visits the Parliament of Guyana.

Shri Narendra Modi’s visit marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Indian Prime Minister in over 50 years to visit Guyana and underscores the ties between Guyana and India. According to recent data, 40% of the population of Guyana has Indian heritage.

During the visit to Guyana, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, along with the Prime Minister of Grenada and current CARICOM Chair, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, co-chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in Georgetown on 20 November 2024. This high-level meeting marked a significant milestone in relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

New Zealand Parliament hosts Tāhuna a Tara for 14 Pacific Legislatures 

The New Zealand Parliament welcomed representatives from 14 Pacific Legislatures from 27 to 29 November 2024 for the Tāhuna a Tara: Pacific Speakers, Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference.

Hosted by the Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, MP and the Clerk of the House, Dr David Wilson - Tāhuna a Tara is an opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s support to Pacific Legislatures as well as the developing learning between Parliaments. The theme for the conference is ‘Niu beginnings and navigating the waves: Embracing change and adapting to a changing environment’ which acknowledged the ways that Parliaments have had to adapt in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic and with elections in several jurisdictions in the next few years. 

The keynote address was given by former Parliamentarian, Hon. Poto Williams and activities included case studies from each of the Legislatures and networking opportunities. The New Zealand Parliament’s Presiding Officers, Hon. Barbara Kuriger, Hon. Greg O’Connor and Hon. Teanau Tuiono also attended. 

The conference is part of the ‘Tai a Kiwa: Stronger Pacific Parliament’s Programme which offers support across the Pacific Region to strengthen the role and functions of Parliaments and enhance inter-parliamentary relations.

Find out more about the CPA Pacific Region here.

Tonga Parliament welcomes South Australian Parliamentary visit

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, and the Deputy Speaker, Lord Tu'iha'angana welcomed the President of the South Australian Legislative Council, Hon. Terry Stephens, MLC, along with the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Leon Bignell, MP and the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Rick Crump, on a parliamentary delegation visit.

The Tonga and South Australia 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. The South Australian Parliament has played a vital role in supporting Tonga's legislative framework and their assistance has included training programmes for both staff and Members of Parliament, as well as the provision of essential equipment and other forms of support.

The Presiding Officers from the South Australian Parliament both rang the bell outside the Tonga Parliament Chamber to notify Members that the House was about to commence, and they were seated either side of the Speaker in the Parliament Chamber during the Legislative sitting. The visiting delegation also met with parliamentary staff and viewed the legislative services provided.

Commonwealth MPs examine work of Public Accounts Committees - CAPAC BIM event

A regional meeting of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) was held for the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region at the Parliament of Malta in November 2024. The network is designed to support the work of Commonwealth Public Accounts Committees in promoting good governance and sharing best practice.

The Regional event was hosted by the Speaker of the Parliament of Malta, Hon. Angelo Farrugia and was attended by representatives from across the BIM Region. Delegates looked at the challenges facing Public Accounts Committees in smaller jurisdictions and how digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help them, alongside auditing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

During the event, Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK, Speaker of the House of Keys at the Isle of Man Parliament was elected as CAPAC Chairperson and Hon. Darren Carabott, MP from Malta was elected as CAPAC Treasurer.

The Commonwealth Association for Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC) works with Public Accounts Committees or their equivalent in 57 different jurisdictions. Click here for more information.

King Charles visits New South Wales Parliament and the Australian Federal Parliament

HM King Charles III, Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, visited the Parliament of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia on 20 October 2024 to mark the bicentenary of the New South Wales Legislative Council.

The King was welcomed by the CPA President (2023-2024), Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of New South Wales and the Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, Hon. Greg Piper, MP.

King Charles said in his speech:

“I am delighted and proud to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of its bicentenary. It is fascinating to reflect back to two hundred years ago and thinking about those times makes me wonder what that inaugural handful of Members of the New South Wales Legislative Council would make of this Parliament today and of how this great State has progressed.

Following this visit, HM King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, visited the Parliament of Australia in Canberra on 21 October 2024.

At Parliament House, The King was greeted with a 21-gun salute before inspecting the Royal Guard of Honour. The royal couple were welcomed by the Joint CPA Australia Branch Presidents - Senator Hon. Sue Lines, President of the Australian Senate and Hon. Milton Dick, MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives.

Legislative Strengthening Seminar addresses Gender-Based Violence and Modern Slavery in Supply Chains 

CPA UK welcomed over 50 Parliamentarians from 17 Commonwealth Legislatures to Westminster from 22 to 24 October 2024 for a Legislative Strengthening Seminar to address Gender-Based Violence and Modern Slavery in Supply Chains. 

The three-day programme built knowledge on these subjects and develop skills in parliamentary scrutiny and campaigning. Parliamentarians were also able to identify gaps in their existing legislation and propose new solutions to address them. 

Keynote speaker and former UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Baroness May of Maidenhead said that efforts must be made to address these issues:

“Modern Slavery is the greatest human rights issue of our time. It is slavery. It is removing people’s freedom. It is removing their dignity. It is getting across to people that this is something that happens in every part of the world. The reality we face though is that we have introduced legislation across the world and yet the number of people in slavery is increasing. That is why we must redouble our efforts.”  

Other speakers included: the President of the Saint Lucia Senate, Senator Hon. Alvina Reynolds and Hon, Jane Poole-Wilson, MHK, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs in the Isle of Man. 

At the close of the seminar, 17 Members of Parliament from 13 Commonwealth Parliaments wrote an open letter to Commonwealth Leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa to warn that Commonwealth nations are falling short of targets to eradicate forced labour and achieve gender equality. 

This seminar follows an awareness-raising workshop on these same subjects, delivered by CPA UK in Kenya in 2023 and is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. 

Canadian Parliamentarians meet for 44th CPA Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar in Alberta

Parliamentarians and Clerks attended the 44th CPA Canadian Regional Parliamentary Seminar from 17 to 20 October 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Delegates were welcomed by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Hon. Nathan Cooper, MLA and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Angela Pitt, MLA. The programme included sessions on security for MPs, political partisanship, modernisation of Parliaments and parliamentary outreach. 

CPA Branches from Alberta, British Columbia, Canada Federal, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Saskatchewan and Yukon attended the seminar. 

Delegates from across Canada at the 44th Canadian Regional Parliamentary seminar

Niue Assembly marks 50th anniversary of its independence 

The small territory of Niue in the Pacific has marked 50 years since it gained independence from New Zealand on 19 October 2024. At that time, Niue became a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, an arrangement dating from October 1974. 

King Charles III, Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, sent a special video message to the people of Niue. Click here to view the video message. 

The Speaker of the Niue Assembly, Hon. Hima Douglas, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Melissa Talagi (Douglas), welcomed the Governor-General of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Dame Cindy Kiro to join the celebrations in Niue to mark 50 years of self-government. The Governor-General was the special guest at Niue’s Fale Fono II, where she met Members of the Niue Assembly and gave a speech outlining the aspirations of the Government of Niue. The Governor-General spoke from a Vice-Regal Chair gifted by New Zealand to the Niue Assembly earlier this year. 

The Prime Minister of Niue, Hon Dalton Tagelagi, said:

“This 50th anniversary is particularly special, for it demonstrates the fortitude and determination of Niueans who sought to shape their own destiny while maintaining the steadfast connection with our closest partner New Zealand. Niue and New Zealand share a unique bond that is enriched by our deep cultural, historical, and community ties. This significant milestone marks a coming of age for the people of Niue and invites us to reflect on our shared past and envision a bright future together.” 

The Speaker, Hon. Hima Douglas, described the 50th anniversary celebrations saying:

“We have come through unscathed as one of the smallest nations, not only in the Pacific but in the world. There have been many challenges on the way, but I think we have survived very well in the end, I might add.” 

Rhonda Tiakia, who is the youngest MP in the Niue Assembly, said the 50th anniversary could also mark a turning point for Niue saying:

“At the same time I’m already looking forward to the next 50 years, you know looking back at the last 50 years we have been very cautious with decisions, but I think we are ready to make more proactive choices for our island.”

Recently, the Niue Assembly undertook a CPA Democratic Benchmarks self-assessment focusing on parliamentary strengthening and reform. Read more here.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa

Every two years, Commonwealth countries and organisations convene for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This year, the 27th CHOGM took place from 21 to 27 October 2024 in Apia, Samoa. This is the first time that a small Pacific Island nation has hosted the event. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was represented at CHOGM  by Commonwealth Parliamentarians from New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa, and a team from the CPA Secretariat including the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

Throughout the week, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians representing the CPA and the CPA Secretary-General participated in and hosted several events, including:

• The Commonwealth Women's Forum and Commonwealth Disabled People's Forum
• The CPA's keynote side-event on the theme 'Intersectional Political Leadership: Empowering Underrepresented Voices'
• The Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Roundtable.

Find the full account of the week here.

Read about the CPA and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network side-event here.

67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) was hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales and the CPA New South Wales Branch in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia from 3 to 8 November 2024. 

The 67th CPC was held under the main theme of 'Engage, Empower, Sustain: Charting the Course for Resilient Democracy'.  

Visit our 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference hub, where you can find:

• Images from throughout the event
• News stories covering the activities of the CPA's networks during the Conference: Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities and Small Branches
• The Conference Concluding Statement for the 67th CPC, including the main outcomes and events of the conference including the 2024 General Assembly, the CPA Executive Committee and Network Steering Committees

Watch highlights of the Conference below:

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