Commonwealth Parliament Leaders Unite: A Visionary Gathering in India

On its third day, the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) brings together 61 delegates from 42 countries in India. Chaired by Speaker Om Birla, the event fosters discourse on enhancing democratic institutions, with sessions highlighting public engagement, parliamentary security, and the role of technology.

The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) reached its third day on Friday, attracting delegates from across the Commonwealth to discuss how to bolster democratic institutions and invigorate modern parliamentary operations. The significant event, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has drawn 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers representing 42 Commonwealth nations, alongside members from four semi-autonomous parliaments, emphasizing the conference's global importance.

Friday's agenda featured a key discussion on innovative strategies to improve public comprehension of Parliament and foster citizen involvement beyond the ballot box, a session led by Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana. Additionally, Canadian Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia delivered a keynote on the "Security, Health, and Wellbeing of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff." These discussions were among the varied topics tackled during the day.

The day also commemorated the official transfer of the CSPOC chairmanship from Om Birla to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, marking an end to the Indian phase and setting the stage for the 29th CSPOC in the UK. Previously, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, emphasizing India's role as a robust democratic model and its ability to leverage diversity for democratic empowerment.

(With inputs from agencies.)