India showcases parliamentary excellence at 68th commonwealth conference

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead an Indian Parliamentary delegation to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), scheduled to be held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from October 5 to 12, 2025. The delegation includes senior members of both Houses of Parliament, along with secretaries and officials, representing a diverse group of parliamentarians and legislative staff. In addition, thirty-six Presiding Officers and sixteen Secretaries from twenty-four State and Union Territory legislatures across India, who are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), will participate in the annual gathering.

The conference, one of the largest annual forums for legislators across the Commonwealth, plays a crucial role in strengthening parliamentary democracy, promoting institutional capacity, and fostering cooperation among more than 180 legislatures worldwide. This year’s theme, “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner”, is aimed at reinforcing the relevance of parliamentary institutions in addressing shared global challenges. Speaker Om Birla will address the General Assembly on this theme and chair a special workshop on “Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide.” The agenda also includes seven thematic workshops that will deliberate on issues such as governance, inclusivity, transparency, and climate resilience, with Indian delegates expected to actively participate.

The CPC will also witness several key committee meetings, including those of the CPA Executive Committee and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee, ensuring representation from India in important governance and gender-sensitive parliamentary discussions. The participation of presiding officers and parliamentarians from diverse backgrounds underscores India’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation in legislative affairs.

Beyond the formal sessions, the Lok Sabha Speaker is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from other Commonwealth countries to discuss issues of mutual interest and enhance parliamentary cooperation. He is also likely to meet the leadership of Barbados and interact with the Indian diaspora during his stay. Such engagements not only strengthen institutional ties but also enhance India’s visibility and soft power on the global stage.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference often results in significant outcomes, including the adoption of resolutions, recommendations for good governance, and frameworks for inclusive legislative practices. It also provides opportunities for networking, training, and knowledge exchange among parliamentarians and parliamentary staff. For India, active participation in the CPC reinforces its role as a leading democracy committed to innovation, digital transformation, inclusivity, and the strengthening of democratic institutions across the Commonwealth.