PM Modi Inaugurates 28th Commonwealth Speakers’ Conference in New Delhi

 

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, marking a major global parliamentary gathering hosted by India.

The inaugural session was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Shri Harivansh, Speakers and Presiding Officers from Commonwealth parliaments, Members of Parliament, and senior international parliamentary leaders.

Technology, Democracy and Responsibility

Delivering the welcome address, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla highlighted how rapid technological change—particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and social media—is transforming democratic governance.

While noting that digital tools have improved efficiency, transparency and accessibility in legislatures, Shri Birla cautioned that their misuse has also led to misinformation, cybercrime and social polarisation.

He stressed that legislatures worldwide share a collective responsibility to address these risks through ethical AI frameworks and credible, transparent and accountable social media governance, in order to safeguard democratic values.

India’s Digital Parliament Experience

Drawing on India’s experience, Shri Birla said the Parliament of India and State Legislatures are increasingly adopting AI and digital technologies, with institutions moving toward paperless functioning through a unified digital platform.

“These reforms are setting new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and public accessibility,” he said.

He also noted that India has repealed outdated laws, enacted welfare-oriented legislation, and aligned policymaking with citizens’ aspirations—steps that are accelerating the country’s journey toward becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.

India’s Democratic Legacy and Global Role

Reflecting on more than seven decades of India’s parliamentary democracy, Shri Birla said strong institutions, people-centric policies, and an impartial electoral system have deepened public trust and inclusive participation.

He underlined the importance of Commonwealth parliamentary platforms such as CSPOC in fostering dialogue among diverse democracies and developing shared responses to global challenges.

Welcoming international delegates, Shri Birla said the Prime Minister’s presence at the inauguration was a moment of pride for all participants. He noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is increasingly looked to for stability, solutions and inspiration.

Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy Across the Commonwealth

Hosting the Conference in the world’s largest democracy—often described as the “Mother of Democracy”—symbolises a shared commitment to democratic dialogue, cooperation and common values, Shri Birla said.

He emphasised that the Conference provides a vital platform to exchange best practices, innovative ideas and institutional experiences aimed at reinforcing parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.

Conference Agenda and Participation

The 28th CSPOC brings together Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 national parliaments of Commonwealth sovereign states, along with Presiding Officers from 14 semi-autonomous parliaments, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and senior parliamentary officials.

In total, 61 Presiding Officers—including 45 Speakers and 16 Deputy Speakers—are attending from 42 member countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments.

Plenary sessions will deliberate on:

• AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation

• Social media and its impact on parliamentarians

• Innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting

• Health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, and the role of Presiding Officers in sustaining strong democratic institutions

Looking Ahead

Shri Birla expressed confidence that the Conference deliberations would lead to practical, policy-oriented outcomes, helping legislatures strengthen credibility, fairness and public trust.

The Conference will conclude tomorrow with the Valedictory Address by the Lok Sabha Speaker.