From 24 to 28 February 2025, Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across the CPA Africa Region met in Lusaka, Zambia, for the third Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Africa Region Conference. The event was hosted by the National Assembly of Zambia on the theme of ‘Breaking Barriers: Building inclusive Parliaments for persons with disabilities.’ 

The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) welcomed delegates to the Regional Conference. He said: 

“The Africa CPwD Regional Conference, which is conceived and operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network, brings together Parliamentarians with disabilities in the CPA Africa Region to discuss issues particular to them. This Regional Conference is unique in that it enables African Parliamentarians to interrogate issues affecting them, especially those related to disability.” 

The Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, Roy Ngulube said: 

“The theme for this year’s event, ‘Breaking Barriers: Building Inclusive Parliaments for Persons with Disabilities,’ is not just a phrase. It is a call to action, a reminder of our responsibility to create spaces where diversity is embraced and inclusivity becomes a fundamental pillar of our legislative bodies. Parliaments that are inclusive are better equipped to represent and address the needs of all citizens, ensuring no one is left behind.”   

In a video message to the CPwD Regional Conference, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said: 

“Disability inclusion is a key priority for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and I'm so proud of the work that Commonwealth Parliamentarians with disabilities do to champion the rights of persons with disabilities.” 

Opening remarks were also delivered by the Assistant Regional Secretary of the CPA Africa Region, Daniel Eliufoo; the Chairperson of the Zambian Parliamentary Caucus on Disability Inclusion and Rights, Hon. Dr Joseph Munsanje, MP and the CPwD Africa Regional Champion Hon. Timothy Wanyonyi, MP (Kenya). 

Delegates participated in plenary sessions on designing physical spaces for inclusive Parliaments, policies for implementing disability inclusion and changing attitudes towards disability in political institutions. 

To find out more about the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network please click here. 

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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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