Our monthly round-up of the latest news, events and activities with the CPA and in Parliaments and Legislatures around the Commonwealth

This edition includes:

• Women Parliamentarians meet in Rwanda to champion gender equality
• Speaker of Anguilla explores partnership potential after Tynwald study visit
• Australian Senate President visits Welsh and Scottish Parliaments
• Asia-Pacific Public Accounts Committees Regional Workshop hosted by Fiji Parliament 
• Anguilla Speaker meets youth diaspora in London
• King Charles opens Parliament of Canada
• The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting 2025 (37CHMM) takes place in Geneva
• UK Parliament recreates historic VE Day Procession for 80th anniversary
• Vanuatu MPs visit Queensland Parliament as part of parliamentary twinning
• Commonwealth Speakers from UK and Overseas Territories meet in London for discussions on technology and parliamentary democracy

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive Committee hold Mid-Year meetings in London to address key governance issues 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee has held its Mid-Year meetings on 12 and 13 May 2025 chaired by the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) in London, UK.

CPA Executive Committee Members discussed key governance issues and planning for the year ahead including updates to the CPA’s legal status, financial reporting and future activities, such as the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference due to be held in Barbados in October this year.

CPA Executive Committee Members were also welcomed to the UK Parliament by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons.

Above: Members of the CPA Executive Committee at the their meetings in London, UK.

Read more about the CPA Executive Committee meetings by clicking here.

Tobago House of Assembly undertakes CPA Recommended Benchmarks Self-Assessment 

A delegation from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association International Headquarters met with the Tobago House of Assembly this week as part of a CPA Recommended Benchmarks self-assessment exercise.

The CPA’s Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and were updated in 2018 to include the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG16 on strong and sustainable democratic institutions. 

As part of their visit, the CPA delegation met with the Tobago House of Assembly’s Presiding Officer, Ms Abby Taylor, as well as wider Members and staff. The CPA team also held discussions with Tobago’s Chief Secretary, Hon. Farley Chavez Augustine, and a range of other stakeholders including representatives of Tobagonian civil society and media personnel.

Above: The Tobago House of Assembly’s Presiding Officer, Ms Abby Taylor (centre) with the Clerk to the Houses of Parliament of Jamaica, Colleen Lowe (right) and CPA’s Good Governance Project Manager, Fraser McIntosh (left).

Read more about the CPA visit to Tobago Assembly by clicking here.

CPA Secretary-General meets with South Africa High Commissioner 

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg met with the South African High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo to discuss the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's work with 63 national and subnational Legislatures in Africa. The Parliament of South Africa and its nine Provincial Legislatures are Branches of the CPA. 

The Parliament of South Africa will host the Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in October as part of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 in Johannesburg later this year.

Above: South African High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo with CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

Speaker of Anguilla explores partnership potential after Tynwald study visit 

The Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, Hon. Tara Carter, has undertaken a two-day study visit to the Parliament of the Isle of Man – Tynwald to explore potential partnerships and learn about their legislative practices in May 2025. The Anguilla Speaker was accompanied by the Clerk to the Anguilla House of Assembly, Lenox Proctor, and met with the Speaker of the House of Keys, Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ann Corlett, MHK. 

The Anguilla Speaker highlighted that she is focusing on ‘the three Ds’ – debate, democracy and decorum and that she had learnt a great deal from the visit to Tynwald. She also remarked on the comprehensive research services available to Members of Tynwald, and expressed an ambition for Members in Anguilla to have access to improved research resources to strengthen the quality of debate. 

A Member of Tynwald, Hon. Tim Crookall, MHK had been part of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation delivering a Post-Election Seminar to the Anguilla House of Assembly, following the election in the British Overseas Territory in February 2025.

Above: House of Keys Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ann Corlett, MHK; Speaker of the House of Keys, Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK and the Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, Hon. Tara Carter.

Australian Senate President visits Welsh and Scottish Parliaments 

The President of the Australian Senate, Senator Sue Lines has visited the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff (also known as the Senedd Cymru) where she met with the Llywdd (Speaker), Rt Hon. Elin Jones MS in May 2025.

This was followed by a visit to The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to meet with the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone, MSP and the Scottish Government’s External Affairs Secretary, Hon. Angus Robertson, MSP. 

Senator Sue Lines said:

“As President of the Australian Senate, I have been fortunate to tour many Parliaments around the world and on every visit, I am reminded of our enduring similarities across the parliamentary democratic system.” 

Above: Presiding Officer of the Scottish parliament, Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone, MSP with President of the Australian Senate, Senator Sue Lines

Above: Senedd Cymru Llywdd (Speaker of the Welsh Parliament), Rt Hon. Elin Jones, MS with President of the Australian Senate, Senator Sue Lines

Vanuatu MPs visit Queensland Parliament as part of parliamentary twinning 

The Parliament of Queensland welcomed a delegation of Parliamentarians from Vanuatu in May 2025. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, Hon. Pat Weir, MP, welcomed the Speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, Hon. Stephen Felix to Parliament House for the the signing of the renewed Twinning Agreement between the two Parliaments. 

The ceremony was attended by the Leader of the House of the Queensland Parliament, Dr Christian Rowan, MP together with the Clerk of the Queensland Parliament, Mr Neil Laurie, and Deputy Clerk, Mr Michael Reis as well as a delegation of MPs from the Parliament of Vanuatu with the Vanuatu Clerk, Mr Maxime Banga. 

Since 2009, the Parliaments of Queensland and Vanuatu have shared a formal twinning relationship - part of a broader initiative to foster cooperation and build institutional capacity between Parliaments under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the CPA Pacific and CPA Australia Regions. The partnership allows for the sharing of knowledge, training, and expertise between two unicameral Parliaments, and reflects the deep historical and regional connections between Queensland and Vanuatu.

Above: Members of the Parliament of Vanuatu are welcomed to the Parliament of Queensland in Brisbane.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Convene in The Bahamas to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Network convened in Nassau, The Bahamas for a four-day workshop under the theme 'Parliamentarians as Drivers of Women’s Economic Empowerment' from 29 April to 2 May 2025.

Hosted in partnership with the Parliament of The Bahamas, the workshop brought together Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to examine legislative, financial and social strategies to advance women’s economic inclusion.

Above: CWP Workshop participants in The Bahamas for the sessions on women's economic empowerment.

Read more about the CWP Workshop in The Bahamas.

Women Parliamentarians meet in Rwanda to champion gender equality

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Regional Gender Sensitisation Workshop was held at the Parliament of Rwanda from 19 to 23 May 2025, bringing together MPs from across Africa under the theme of ‘Promoting Gender Equality and Empowering Women in Africa’.

The three-day workshop explored gender transformative legislation, and the institutional mechanisms required. Delegates were welcomed by the CWP Africa Region Chairperson, Hon. Ndangiza Madina, MP (Rwanda)and the Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies, Rt Hon. Kazarwa Gertrude.

Above: Workshop participants at the CWP Africa Regional Gender Sensitisation Workshop at the Parliament of Rwanda.

Read more about the CWP Africa Workshop in Rwanda.

King Charles opens Parliament of Canada

King Charles opened the 45th Parliament of Canada with the Speech from the Throne in the Senate Chamber on Tuesday 27 May 2025. 

This historic occasion brings back memories of the late Queen Elizabeth II delivering the Speech to open Canada's 23rd Parliament in 1957 and opening the third session of the 30th Parliament in 1977. It was the first time that King Charles and Queen Camilla have visited Canada since their accession in 2022. 

King Charles is also the Head of the Commonwealth and Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Above: King Charles and Queen Camilla at the opening of the Parliament of Canada.

UK Parliament recreates historic VE Day Procession for 80th anniversary

On 8 May 2025 – the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day marking the end of the Second World War in Europe - the Speakers of both Houses of the UK Parliament processed with senior politicians, including the UK Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, to Westminster Abbey for a service to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation. 

The Speakers of the UK House of Commons and House of Lords met in Central Lobby and processed with the parliamentary maces, echoing a similar VE Day procession of 1945 led by then-Speaker Clifton Brown. The joint procession reflected the unity of UK Parliament and the nation in marking 80 years since victory was declared in Europe. 

The Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP reminded MPs that they were recreating an historic moment:

“We will now follow in the footsteps of our predecessors 80 years ago. On 8th May 1945, Honourable Members formed a procession out of the House of Lords, where they had been secretly relocated, because the House of Commons Chamber had been destroyed during the Blitz. Today, we shall again follow the Mace – but this time from our own Chamber - through the bomb-scarred Churchill Arch, which stands as a permanent reminder of the fortitude of those who stood firm through the war - and I ask that those invited Honourable Members do the same.” 

Members of the UK Parliament also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with speeches in the two Chambers. 

Above: The procession with the Parliamentary maces.

Asia-Pacific Public Accounts Committees Regional Workshop hosted by Fiji Parliament 

Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff attended the Asia-Pacific Public Accounts Committee Regional Workshop from 19 to 21 May 2025 aimed at strengthening Parliamentary oversight of government finances. 

The Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Hon. Filimone Jitoko opened the Workshop in Nadi and said:

“The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is vital in strengthening governance, enhancing financial oversight and fostering collaboration among our nations for a more accountable and transparent future.” 

The Parliament of Fiji has recently established a Subcommittee on Public Accounts to continue Parliament’s continued commitment to accountability and financial oversight.

Many Commonwealth jurisdictions have a Public Accounts Committee (or similar) tasked with scrutinising the government’s finances and hearing submissions from Ministries, departments and the public to identify weaknesses in financial controls and enhance governance. The Workshop was attended by 37 delegates from eleven Legislatures including PAC Chairs, Deputy Chairs, Members of Parliament and PAC officials. CPA Branches represented included the Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Malaysia, The Maldives, New South Wales, Niue, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, Tasmania and the UK.

The three-day Workshop was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) UK Branch in Westminster together with the Fiji Parliament. The UK Parliament has the oldest established Public Accounts Committee and its Chair, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP explained that PAC Committee scrutinises every pound of the UK Government expenditure to ensure that the budget is spent as effectively as possible. 

Commonwealth Speakers from UK and Overseas Territories meet in London for discussions on technology and parliamentary democracy

The 4th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC) has been held in the United Kingdom from 13 to 16 May 2025. The Conference was hosted by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP in London. Speakers and Clerks attended from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena.

At this year’s Conference, the Speakers, alongside Parliamentary Clerks and technical experts, examined different aspects of building strong Legislatures and effective parliamentary democracy focusing on Artificial Intelligence and digital technology, sharing best practice and presiding over parliamentary proceedings.

The delegation of Speakers from the UK and UK Overseas Territories was received in audience by HM King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The King is also the Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Above: Speakers and Clerks at the 4th Commons and Overseas Territories Speakers’ Conference (COTSC). Image credit: UK Parliament/House of Commons.

To read more about the 4th COTSC then please click here.

Anguilla Speaker meets youth diaspora in London

The Anguilla House of Assembly hosted ‘Mentor & Mingle London 2025’ on 17 May 2025, a youth leadership forum focused on empowering youth through mentorship and networking opportunities. The event brought together 23 Anguillian students from across the United Kingdom, including participants who travelled from Wales.  

The Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly, Hon. Tara Carter led the mentorship initiative which aimed to foster leadership skills essential for sustainable development. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg spoke about the critical role of young people in governance and how positive youth engagement translates into sustainable national development. 

Above: Participants in the Mentor & Mingle London 2025 programme.

Sri Lanka Prime Minister addresses student Parliament

The Parliament of Sri Lanka hosted the inaugural session of the Bope Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya Student Parliament at the old Parliament Chamber on 19 May 2025. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Harini Amarasuriya emphasised the importance of nurturing active and responsible citizens to sustain a democratic society. She noted that initiatives such as student Parliaments are essential in fostering democratic values among the youth before responding to questions from the students during an interactive session. 

Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Mr Chaminda Kularatne also spoke about the traditions, functions and procedures of Parliament, offering students a deeper understanding of the country's legislative framework. 

The event was conducted as part of the ongoing Student Parliament Programme, jointly organised by the President Secretariat and the Department of Communication of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

Above: Delegates at the Sri Lanka Bope Rajasinghe Maha Vidyalaya Student Parliament.

Commonwealth Health Ministers urged to look beyond budgets 

The 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting 2025 (37CHMM) has taken place in Geneva, Switzerland on 17 May 2025 with representatives from across the 56 countries of the Commonwealth. 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey joined global health leaders and government officials from health ministries to discuss how the Commonwealth can build momentum around investment to address shocks to health systems in member countries. She said:

“The Commonwealth has a proud history of action in health. So let us use this meeting not only to agree on policy, but to commit to action, to secure sustainable financing that protects people, not just budgets; embed climate resilience and social justice in health planning and to expand digital access without leaving anyone behind”. 

The Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting was chaired by the Lesotho Minister for Health, Hon Selibe Mochoboroane and took place on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Ministers were also updated on the delivery of mandates agreed upon at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

Above: Participants of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting 2025 (37CHMM).

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