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:

• Celebrations for Commonwealth Day 2025, including the CPA Chairperson meeting key stakeholders
• New Commonwealth Secretary-General takes office
• Benchmarks self-assessments in Eastern Cape and Sri Lanka
• A joint CPA and CPA-UK Post-Election Seminar in Anguilla
• The ACT Clerk visits Fiji for a CPA Technical Assistance Programme
• CPA and Branch activities for International Women's Day 2025
• Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians from CPA Africa Region lead gender sensitisation visit to Eswatini
• CWP Chairperson and Commonwealth Legislators attend first global IPU Conference for Women Parliamentarians
• 11th CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference in Scotland
• New study reveals 60% of women MPs from Asia-Pacific report online gender-based violence: a joint report with IPU and ASEAN AIPA
• Canada Speaker visits Caribbean nations to promote bilateral support and trade
• Canadian Black Rod receives ceremonial sword from The King
• Commonwealth Communications Group hold first meeting
• British Virgin Islands Public Accounts Committee attends Workshop in Jersey
• Queensland Ethics Committee visit New Zealand Parliament
• New Zealand Inter-Parliamentary Relations team visit Parliament of Vanuatu
• Northern Cape Legislators visit Parliament of Namibia
• CPA Africa Region hold Executive Committee in Seychelles
• Historic moment for gender equality in Papua New Guinea Parliament with first women in the Speaker’s Chair
• New Handbook from CPA UK provides guidance on Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains

Parliaments around the world mark Commonwealth Day 2025

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) celebrated Commonwealth Day 2025 on Monday 10 March 2025 across the CPA’s nine Regions and around 180 Parliaments and Legislatures.

The Commonwealth Day 2025 theme is ‘Together We Thrive’, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Commonwealth Family – 56 independent member countries united by shared values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

Read more here.

CPA Chairperson meets key stakeholders during Commonwealth Week 2025

The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) marked Commonwealth Day 2025 in London, UK and met with key stakeholders during his first official visit to the CPA Headquarters.

To celebrate Commonwealth Day on 10 March 2025, the CPA Chairperson attended the traditional multi-faith Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in London along with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and High Commissioners.

Read more here.

ACT Clerk visits Fiji as part of a CPA Technical Assistance Programme 

From 24 to 28 March, Tom Duncan, Clerk at the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly, was at the Parliament of Fiji for a CPA Technical Assistance Programme. The aim of the programme was to assist with the development of a code of conduct and a declaration of interests scheme.

On behalf of the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, the Secretary-General to Parliament, Mrs Jeanette Emberson thanked him for the work carried out during the week and the discussions he had with some Members of the Standing Committees, the Leader of the Opposition, Party Whips and Senior Parliamentary officials.

Last month, the Code of Conduct Bill was tabled in the Parliament of Fiji and was referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights. The Committee must table a report on the Bill during the April Sitting.

This programme is based on recommendations from a CPA Benchmarking visit to Fiji in 2023. You can find the outcome report from that visit here.   

CPA Post-Election Seminar strengthens parliamentary knowledge for Anguilla House of Assembly

From 24 to 26 March, a delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK held a Post Election Seminar (PES) in Anguilla. The Seminar follows elections to the Anguilla House of Assembly which took place in February 2025.

Read more here.

Above: Participants at the Anguilla House of Assembly Post-Election Seminar.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conducts Benchmarks self-assessments in Sri Lanka and Eastern Cape, South Africa

This month, two delegations from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Headquarters met with the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and the Parliament of Sri Lanka as part of CPA Benchmarks self-assessments. The CPA’s Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and were updated in 2018 to include the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG16 on strong and sustainable democratic institutions.

Read more about the CPA Benchmarks visits to Eastern Cape and Sri Lanka.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) mark International Women’s Day 2025

Since 1911, International Women’s Day has been observed globally, celebrating the achievements of women while calling for greater gender equality. This year’s UN international theme, For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, underscores the need for urgent action to ensure gender parity worldwide.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network are proud to mark this occasion by highlighting key initiatives and progress in advancing women’s political representation and leadership.

Read about the activities held up to IWD here. You can also read about the activities of some of our CPA Branches here.

New study reveals 60% of women MPs from Asia-Pacific report online gender-based violence

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) have contributed to a major new study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), which has exposed the pervasive nature of sexism, harassment and violence against women in Parliaments across several CPA Regions (Asia, South-East Asia, Australia and Pacific Regions).

Read more about the joint report's findings here.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians from CPA Africa Region lead gender sensitisation visit to Eswatini 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Chairperson, Rt Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi, has led a gender sensitisation visit of the Steering Committee of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Region to the Parliament of Eswatini. 

The visit was aimed at raising gender awareness in both the Senate and the House of Assembly at the Parliament of Eswatini. During the visit, the delegation wore traditional dress for a welcome ceremony. 

Find out more about the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network’s gender sensitisation work here.  

CWP Chairperson and Commonwealth Legislators attend first global IPU Conference for Women Parliamentarians

From 13 to 16 March 2025, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held its first Global Conference for Women Parliamentarians in Mexico City. The event was co-organised and hosted by the Senate of Mexico on the theme ‘From Mexico to the World: Let’s mobilize for gender parity!’ 

The Conference aimed to identify successful measures and strategies for advancing gender parity in Parliaments, share good practice and inspire action towards achieving equal participation and power for women in political decision-making.

Read more about the conference here.

11th CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference in Scotland

Women Parliamentarians from across the CWP British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Region met at The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh for the 11th CWP BIM Regional Conference from 16 to 18 March 2025. The event featured sessions on the issues and challenges affecting women across the Commonwealth.

Delegates were welcomed by the Presiding Officer of The Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone, MSP and the CWP Steering Committee Member for the BIM Region, Sarah Boyack, MSP (Scotland).

The CWP Regional Conference brought together women Parliamentarians from the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man), some British Overseas Territories (Gibraltar, Falkland Islands), and Cyprus and Malta to work together on achieving gender equal Parliaments.

Above: A participant at the 11th CWP BIM Regional Conference in Edinburgh.

Canada Speaker visits Caribbean nations to promote bilateral support and trade

The Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, Hon. Greg Fergus has undertaken a visit to CARICOM Caribbean nations in March 2025 to promote inter-parliamentary cooperation and support. 

In Grenada, the Speaker met with the Presiding Officers of the Grenada Parliament – Hon. Dr Dessima Williams, President of the Senate and Hon. Leo Cato, Speaker of the House of Assembly. Hon. Greg Fergus also met with participants in the Canadian Development Fund’s ‘Young Women in Leadership programme’ which works with local partners to build the skills and networks for young women entrepreneurs to enable then to become future changemakers. 

Above: Hon. Greg Fergus (left) with Hon. Dr Dessima Williams, President of the Senate (centre) and Hon. Leo Cato, Speaker of the House of Assembly (right) in Grenada.

In Jamaica, the Canadian Speaker met with the Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness and the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Hon. Kamina J. Smith to discussions increasing trade and exploring new avenues for collaboration between Jamaica and Canada.  

Above: Hon. Greg Fergus with Jamaican Prime Minister, Hon. Andrew Holness.

In Barbados, the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Hon. Greg Fergus held bilateral talks with the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, Hon. Arthur Holder, before meeting with the six finalists in the ‘Diplomat for a Day’ initiative for young people to offer them advice and guidance in their future careers.

Above: The Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada, Hon. Greg Fergus and the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados, Hon. Arthur Holder, pictured with the six young people taking part in the diplomat scheme.

Canadian Black Rod receives new ceremonial sword from The King 

The Parliament of Canada has received an honour from HM King Charles III. The 17th Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada, Mr Gregory Peters was presented with a new ceremonial sword at Buckingham Palace in London on 12 March 2025. The Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Hon. Raymonde Gagné was also present. The new ceremonial sword was commissioned by the Senate in The King’s honour to mark the change of reign in September 2022. 

The King is the Canadian Head of State as well as being the Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. 

Mr Gregory Peters is the 17th Usher of the Black Rod since the Confederation of Canada in 1867. The position of Usher of the Black Rod, which originated approximately 600 years ago in Westminster, is a senior protocol officer in the Canadian Parliament. Their current responsibilities combine traditional, ceremonial and modern administrative functions.  

BVI Public Accounts Committee attends Workshop in Jersey 

Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Assembly of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) participated in a specialised workshop for PACs from 11 to 13 March 2025. The workshop was hosted by the PAC at the States Assembly of Jersey and was designed to foster learning and collaboration between members of two PACs.

The workshop participants engaged in various activities aimed at enhancing their understanding of PAC operations including observing preparatory meetings for public hearings, attending live public hearings and participating in debriefing sessions afterwards. The BVI delegation – which included Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton (PAC Chair), Hon. Stacy Mather, Hon. Marlon Penn and Hon. Myron V. Walwyn as well as Mrs Bethsaida Smith-Hanley, Clerk and Secretary to the PAC - also examined the Jersey PAC’s Code of Practice and Legislative Framework and the functions of the Jersey Audit Office and the staffing support structure.

The workshop was funded by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch as part of its work to strengthening parliamentary scrutiny across the UK Overseas Territories through capacity building and effective financial oversight institutions.

New Zealand IPR team visit Parliament of Vanuatu 

From 3 to 7 March 2025, members of the New Zealand Parliament’s Inter-Parliamentary Relations (IPR) team visited the Vanuatu Parliament as part of the ‘Tai a Kiwa: Stronger Pacific Parliaments’ programme. The Tai a Kiwa programme is designed to deliver relevant and practical assistance to Parliaments throughout the Pacific. 

The team led by IPR Officer, Amber Walters, who is also the CPA Pacific Regional Secretary, met with the Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament, Hon. Stephen Dorrick Felix and Maxime Banga, Clerk of Parliament. 

The collaborative meetings included a needs assessment with the Vanuatu Office of the Clerk and Corporate Services to understand their work. The New Zealand delegation also met with the teams from the New Zealand Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the United Nations Development Programme.

Queensland Ethics Committee visit New Zealand Parliament

In March 2025, a delegation of Members of the Queensland Parliament’s Ethics Committee visited the New Zealand Parliament to learn about the Committee system and codes of conduct. The delegation was led by the Chair of the Queensland Ethics Committee, Hon. Raymond Stevens MP. The delegation met with the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, MP; the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr David Wilson; members of the Privileges Committee; and the New Zealand - Australia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Northern Cape Legislators visit Parliament of Namibia 

A delegation of 19 Members from the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in South Africa visited the Parliament of Namibia from 17 to 18 March 2025. The delegation was led by the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Hon. Newrene Claudine Klaaste, MPL and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sharifa Ferris, MPL. The study visit was designed to assist legislators in parliamentary procedures and to share best practice. Sessions looked at oversight and public participation processes, law-making and resolution tracking with a view to improving procedures in the Legislature.

During the visit, the Northern Cape delegation met with the Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia, Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha to share insights from the National Council as part of the study visit. The delegation also observed a parliamentary sitting of the National Assembly of Namibia and met with Members of Parliament. 

Indian Prime Minister visits Mauritius to celebrate the country's 57th National Day

The Prime Minister of India, Hon. Narendra Modi conducted a two-day state visit to Mauritius from 11 to 12 March at the invitation of Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The visit was to celebrate the 57th National Day of Mauritius. 

Hon. Narendra Modi was also conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean during his visit. The delegations discussed defence, security, economic linkages, cultural exchanges and more. They also noted the construction of a new Parliament in Mauritius with the assistance of Indian construction companies. 

New Handbook provides guidance on Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains

A new comprehensive handbook fast tracks the global fight against modern slavery and provides guidance for Parliamentarians and policymakers on legislating against modern slavery in supply chains. More than 50 contributors from across the world have contributed to the handbook including over 20 Commonwealth Parliamentarians as well as academics, lawyers and leading civil society campaigners. Each has shared their experiences and expertise so that Legislators can address exploitation within global supply chains more effectively and efficiently. 

The new handbook has been published by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) UK Branch in partnership with the UK Parliament and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The CPA UK Branch has been working to address modern slavery for almost a decade. 

One common theme echoed throughout the handbook is the unique opportunity that Commonwealth Parliamentarians have for cooperation and collaboration. The UK’s Commonwealth Minister, Lord Collins of Highbury writes in the handbook’s foreword:

“You will not have to start from scratch in your mission to end modern slavery but will have the opportunity to build on the foundations laid by others before you. Through its analogous legal and parliamentary systems, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to move collectively against this terrible crime.”

Other contributors to the handbook include anti-slavery campaigner Senator Linda Reynolds who spearheaded Australia’s Modern Slavery Act.  

CPA UK Branch Chair, Hon. Kate Osamor, MP said:

“Bringing Parliamentarians across the world together to share knowledge and work toward common goals provides a platform to exchange effective policies so that we can build on one another’s successes and overcome each other’s challenges.” 

To download a copy of the Handbook on Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains visit https://mailchi.mp/parliament.uk/handbook.

Historic moment for gender equality in Papua New Guinea Parliament with first women in the Speaker’s Chair

A historic moment in the Papua New Guinea Parliament took place on 13 March 2025 as Hon. Francesca Semoso, MP (the Member for North Bougainville) became the first-ever female Member of Parliament in Papua New Guinea since 1975 to preside over a parliamentary session. Her appointment as Assistant Speaker came at the end of the last session of Parliament and this was the first opportunity for Hon. Francesca Semoso, MP to take to the Chair. 

In her first address at the beginning of the parliamentary session, Hon. Francesca Semoso thanked colleagues for the opportunity and dedicated the achievement to the women of the country. Her appointment emphasises her leadership within the parliamentary system and accelerates action for greater gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women in Papua New Guinea, following International Women’s Day 2025 on 8 March. 

Parliamentary colleagues stated their hope that Hon. Francesca Semoso’s role as Assistant Speaker will help to inspire future generations to pursue leadership roles. The appointment also marks a significant milestone in the nation's history and highlights the ongoing progress toward gender equality in Papua New Guinea, which is also preparing to celebrate 50 years of Independence in September 2025.

Above: Hon. Francesca Semoso, MP, in the Speaker's Chair at the Parliament of Papua New Guinea.

CPA Africa Region hold Executive Committee in Seychelles 

The 88th CPA Africa Regional Executive Committee Meeting was held in Seychelles from 25 to 29 March 2025. Members were welcomed by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Rt Hon. Roger Mancienne and the CPA Africa Regional President, Rt Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia.  

The CPA Africa Regional Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh, MP (Sierra Leone) chaired the plenary governance meetings which were also attended by the Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia).  

The Regional Representatives for the CPA Africa Region on the CPA International Executive Committee, Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, MP, Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia; Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, MP (Nigeria); and Hon. Marwick Khumalo, MP (Eswatini) held a Sub Committee meeting and the Vice-Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Africa Region, Hon. Dr Unity Dow, MP (Botswana) led the CWP Steering Subcommittee. 

New Commonwealth Secretary-General takes office

Above: Hon. Shirley Botchwey, the new Commonwealth Secretary-General from 1 April 2025.

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."

Commonwealth Communications Group hold first meeting 

Commonwealth professionals came together on 26 March 2025 to hold the inaugural meeting of the Commonwealth Communications Group (CCG). The meeting was held at the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House and brought together many of the Commonwealth’s Associated Organisations (AOs) including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) to share best practice and engage in joint Communications campaigns to promote activities in the Commonwealth. 

Above: The first meeting of the Commonwealth Communications Group.

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