The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has held an Advanced Parliamentary Development and Skills-building Residency Programme for MPs, hosted by the Parliament of Malta from 24 to 28 February 2025. Over 30 Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth attended the CPA programme which focused on enhancing Parliamentarians’ soft skills in communication, planning, time management, people management and creative thinking. This Residency Programme is an extension of the CPA Parliamentary Academy, the CPA’s portfolio of online courses specifically for Parliamentarians and parliamentary officials.  

The CPA Residency Programme was hosted in the Maltese capital of Valletta and was attended by MPs from Commonwealth jurisdictions including Antigua and Barbuda; Arunachal Pradesh (India); Australian Capital Territory; Eswatini; Free State (South Africa); Ghana; Kenya; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan); Lesotho; Malawi; Malta; Montserrat; New South Wales (Australia); Punjab (Pakistan); Queensland (Australia); Saint Lucia; Sarawak (Malaysia); South Australia; and the United Kingdom. 

Hon. Angelo Farrugia, the Speaker of the Malta House of Representatives, welcomed delegates and said:  

“We are excited to start this productive week together, where you will be enhancing your skills as Parliamentarians, and building new relations with your colleagues. The CPA Parliamentary Academy is a valuable tool to foster these relations, while enriching your experience with sharing of good practice and taking an active role to apply what you will be learning throughout the week.”

Participants were mentored throughout the programme by current and alumni Parliamentarians and experts from across the Commonwealth including:  

• Hon. Carmelo Abela, MP, Chair of Committees, Parliament of Malta
• Hon. Claudette Buttigieg, MP, Parliament of Malta
• Poto Williams, former Minister and Member of the Parliament of New Zealand
• Kate Faragher, leadership coach and facilitator, United Kingdom 

Participants identified practical solutions to the challenges they and their jurisdictions face and honed their skills at a higher level through sessions on topics such as strategic thinking, diplomacy, social media, the use of generative AI and speechmaking. 

On the final day participants took part in a practical exercise. They were divided into Parliamentary caucuses to run a campaign consisting of TV and radio interviews, a Parliamentary speech and a meeting with a Minister. 

Since the launch of the CPA Parliamentary Academy in 2021 there have been six Residency courses for  

Parliamentarians, hosted by New South Wales (Australia), Western Cape (South Africa), Alberta (Canada), Scotland, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The Sri Lanka Residency was the first aimed solely at Parliamentary Clerks. 

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, said:  

“I wish to express my thanks to the excellent team from the Parliament of Malta for their support and dedication in helping to deliver this worthwhile programme. Participants who have attended this programme will have the valuable opportunity to establish a network of like-minded peers from across the Commonwealth who can provide long-term support and guidance.” 

The CPA Parliamentary Academy continues to expand, with a new online course covering human rights launched in 2024 and a course on chairing a Parliamentary Committee due to launch later this year.  

The next CPA Residency Programme will be the ‘Advanced Residency Programme for Leadership in Parliament for Clerks and Officials’ due to be hosted by the Parliament of New Zealand in Wellington from 7 to 11 July 2025. 

For further information about the CPA Parliamentary Academy courses please email hq.sec@cpahq.org or visit the CPA website.  

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.

For media enquiries, please contact communications@cpahq.org.