Commonwealth Parliamentarians from the CPA India Region focus on youth engagement at 8th CPA India Regional Conference in Assam

Elected representatives from the 31 State Legislatures and the Federal Parliament of India have convened for the 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference in Guwahati, Assam, India from 11 to 13 April 2022.

Hosted by the Assam Legislative Assembly and the CPA Assam State Branch on behalf of the CPA India Region, the Regional Conference brought together Commonwealth Parliamentarians to share their experiences of parliamentary democracy with a special focus on youth engagement.

The Chairperson of the CPA India Region, Hon. Om Birla MP, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India officially opened the Regional Conference and spoke to delegates of India as the largest functioning democracy in the world, adding that democracy in India runs from village to central level, giving a direct voice for the people. The Speaker of Lok Sabha also stressed the need for more sensitive and active efforts by Legislatures for the welfare of marginalised sections of society. He also addressed the main theme of the Regional Conference and said that youth has always had a special contribution in bringing about a comprehensive change in India as youth have been the main drivers of socio-economic change and active participation in democracy.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Acting CPA Chairperson, Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger MP said:

“As Parliamentarians, we have the power to influence policy and it is our greatest strength.”

The opening ceremony of the Regional Conference was also attended by the Chief Minister of Assam, Hon. Himanta Biswa Sarm; the Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Hon. Biswajit Daimary MLA; and the Leader of the Opposition in Assam, Hon. Debabrata Saikia MLA.

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg attended the Regional Conference and held bilateral meetings with Speakers and Members from several CPA Branches in the CPA India Region.

The Regional Conference focused on strategies for empowering India’s large youth population. Approximately 600 million Indians - more than half of the country’s population - are aged under 25 and delegates explore d opportunities to mainstream youth perspectives throughout the decision-making process.

At the closing ceremony, the Governor of Assam, Professor Jagdish Mukhi noted that the CPA India Regional Conference and the recent CPA Executive Committee both took place during the 85^th anniversary of the Assam Legislative Assembly.

The CPA India Region consists of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (the Federal Parliament of India), and the 31 State Legislative Assemblies of India. The CPA India Region is one of the nine CPA Regions and is represented on the CPA International Executive Committee by three Regional Representatives.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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