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:

• 61st CPA Canada Regional Conference hosted by National Assembly of Québec
• CPA Benchmarks self-assessments in Vanuatu and Barbados
• CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency programme for Parliamentary Clerks takes place in New Zealand
• Singapore Parliament hosts CPA South-East Asia Regional Clerks' Conference
• 54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference for Pacific and Australia Regions in Nauru
• 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament
• British Parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka
• Commonwealth Secretary-General meets with Commonwealth Accredited Organisations
• Commonwealth Secretary-General deploys Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Guyana
• Bilateral visits from Maldives to Sri Lanka and Seychelles
• Indian Prime Minister visits Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago
• Namibian visit to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Tonga visits Australia
• Tuvalu visits Fiji
• Parliamentary Clerks from the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) Africa Region visit countries across Africa

Parliamentary democracy on the agenda at 61st CPA Canada Regional Conference hosted by National Assembly of Québec

Over 100 Commonwealth Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Clerks have examined parliamentary democracy and strengthening Legislatures at the 61st Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Canada Regional Conference, which has taken place in Québec City, Québec from 20 to 24 July 2025.

Delegates were welcomed to the CPA Canada Regional Conference by Hon. Nathalie Roy, President of the National Assembly of Québec/Assemblée nationale du Québec and CPA Québec Branch President.

The CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya attended the Regional Conference to brief Members on the CPA’s activities as well as updating delegates ahead of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) due to be held in Barbados from 5 to 12 October 2025.

Ahead of the 61st CPA Canada Regional Conference, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Canada Regional Conference also took place.

The CWP Canada Regional Chair, Hon. Susan Leblanc, MLA (Nova Scotia) chaired the meetings which focused on inspiring leadership for women in political life under the theme of ‘Parliament: A place for women’.

Above: Attendees at the 61st CPA Canada Regional Conference.

Above: delegates at the CWP Canada Regional Conference

Read more about the Regional Conference here.

CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency programme for Parliamentary Clerks takes place in New Zealand

Over forty Commonwealth Clerks and parliamentary officials from across the CPA’s membership attended the CPA Advanced Residency Programme for Leadership in Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand from 7 to 11 July 2025. This was the second Residency Programme held for Clerks and parliamentary officials as part of the CPA Parliamentary Academy.

The five-day programme is specifically designed for parliamentary officials and enhances skills on topics ranging from leadership and strategic thinking to project management and conflict resolution. The Residency course provided attendees with an opportunity to meet in-person and learn from their colleagues in other Parliaments across the Commonwealth in a unique ‘training for trainers’ session which embeds sustainability into parliamentary learning and development.

Since the launch of the CPA Parliamentary Academy in 2021, there have been six Residency courses for Parliamentarians that were hosted by New South Wales (Australia), Western Cape (South Africa), Alberta (Canada), Scotland, Malaysia and Malta.

This is the second time that a Residency Programme has been held for Clerks and parliamentary officials with the first in Sri Lanka last year. The CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency courses complement the CPA’s online courses, providing face-to-face interactive learning and knowledge-sharing at a more advanced level.

Above: Participants, CPA staff and resource people at the Parliamentary Academy Residency Programme in New Zealand.

Read more about the Residency here.

Singapore Parliament hosts CPA South-East Asia Regional Clerks' Conference

The Parliament of Singapore and the Parliament of Malaysia jointly organised the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) South-East Asia Regional Clerks' Conference on 10 July 2025 held in Singapore.

Parliamentary Clerks and officials from the Malaysia Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies as well as the Parliament of Singapore gathered to exchange ideas, best practices and experiences in parliamentary proceedings and administrative procedures.

Above: Participants at the CPA South-East Asia Regional Clerks' Conference in Singapore

Read more about the Conference here.

54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference for Pacific and Australia Regions in Nauru

Parliamentarians from the Pacific and Australia Regions have met for the 54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC), hosted by Parliament of Nauru from 8 to 10 July 2025 on a theme of ‘Independent Parliaments, Strengthening Democracy: The Power of Parliamentary Autonomy’.

Delegates were welcomed by the Speaker of the Nauru Parliament, Hon. Marcus Stephen, MP and the Acting President of Nauru, Lionel Aingimea to a POCC meeting held on the theme of autonomous and independent Parliaments with sessions on strengthening Parliamentary Independence and Administration, Financial Autonomy, Budget Control and Enhancing Legislative Oversight and Accountability.

Above: Flags of the Conference participants.

Parliaments of Vanuatu and Barbados carry out CPA Benchmarks self-assessments

Delegations from the CPA carried out democratic Benchmarking exercises in Vanuatu from 13 to 18 July and Barbados from 28 to 31 July. The CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice and, building on the 2006 and 2018 versions of the Benchmarks, were updated in 2025 to create a set of Benchmarks which meet high levels of good governance and robust parliamentary democracy. Vanuatu and Barbados have become the 41st and 42nd Legislatures to carry out a CPA Benchmarks exercise respectively.

Above: Members of the CPA delegation with Mr. Maxime Banga, Clerk of the Parliament of Vanuatu.

Read more about the Vanuatu Benchmark visit here

UK Parliamentary delegation visits Sri Lanka on Parliamentary strengthening mission

From 22 to 24 July, Members of the British Parliament visited Sri Lanka to deliver a programme to support newly elected Members of Sri Lanka’s Parliament and new Parliamentary staff. The programme was organised in collaboration with the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the UK House of Commons, the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

Over the course of the three-day programme, participants covered topics such as parliamentary process and procedure, codes of conduct and standards and budget and financial oversight, the role of parliamentary officials and committee inquiries.

The British Parliamentary delegation met with Hon. Dr Jagath Wickramaratne, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and other officials and Members of Parliament including Sri Lanka’s Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, the Parliamentary Caucus for Open Parliament Initiative and the Secretary-General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka.

Above: Participants in the programme at the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

Namibia delegation visits KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in South Africa to strengthen regional cooperation

The Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and Regional Representative of the CPA Southern Africa Sub-Region Executive Committee, Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, led a high-level delegation from the Namibian Parliament on a visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in South Africa on 15 July 2025.

The visit was hosted by the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, Hon. Nontembeko Boyce, and forms an ongoing part of efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations among CPA Branches in the Region and to foster regional collaboration in line with the CPA’s strategic goals. These include a strong focus on parliamentary democracy, gender representation through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, and enhanced cooperation among sub-national Legislatures.

Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha emphasised the shared values between the Namibian Parliament and the KZN Legislature.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, as an active CPA Sub-National Branch and a proud member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, continues to be a shining example in advancing the CPA’s mission. Your commitment to gender equality and empowering women in parliamentary spaces is truly commendable and continues to inspire other CPA Branches in the region. As Regional Representatives, we serve as a bridge between the Region and the Branches, ensuring their welfare and growth remain a top priority.”

Hon. Nontembeko Boyce extended her appreciation for the visit, highlighting its significance in deepening cooperation. “This visit not only strengthens ties between our two CPA Sub-Branches but also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress and share best practices as part of our collective journey under the CPA umbrella.”

Above: Members of both delegations outside the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.

Speaker of Tuvalu visits Parliament of Fiji

The Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu, Hon. Sir Iakoba Italeli visited the Parliament of Fiji on 15 July 2025 where he watched the National Budget Debate taking place.

The Speaker of the Fiji Parliament, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, said:

“Your presence here today reaffirms the enduring bonds of friendship and shared purpose between Tuvalu and Fiji. We are proud to stand together as Pacific neighbours-linked not only by geography, but by our mutual commitment to democratic values, regional solidarity and the prosperity of our island nations.”

The Speaker of Tuvalu and the Acting Clerk, Ms Faitotoa Kulene also met with Mrs Jeanette Emberson, Secretary-General of Parliament of Fiji and CPA Fiji Branch Secretary.

Above: The Speakers of Tuvalu and Fiji.

Tonga MPs visit twinning partners in South Australia 

A parliamentary delegation from the Tonga Parliament visited Australia from 21 to 28 June 2025 as part of an Australia-led initiative to enhance regional cooperation and deepen bilateral relations. 

The Tonga delegation was led by Hon. Hu’akavameiliku (Siaosi Sovaleni), MP, former Prime Minister together with Lord Tu’ilakepa, MP, Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole House, and Hon. Dr Mo’ale ‘Otunuku, MP. 

In Adelaide, the Tonga delegation met with the Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly, Hon. Leon Bignell, MP and the President of the Legislative Council, Hon. Terance Stephens, MLC. The Tonga Parliament is twinned with the Parliament of South Australia through a CPA programme which links Legislatures from the CPA Australia and CPA Pacific Regions at a national and state level for targeted assistance, professional development and parliamentary strengthening. Find out more about the CPA twinning partnership here: https://cpaaus.org/ppp/ 

During their visit, the Tonga delegation also met with the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Hon. Penny Wong and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite, MP.

Above: Members of Tonga's Parliament during their visit to the Parliament of South Australia.

Maldives delegation visits National Assembly of Seychelles for parliamentary benchmarking 

From 2 to 5 July 2025, a parliamentary delegation from the People’s Majlis of Maldives led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Nazim, MNA visited the National Assembly of Seychelles in Mahe for a parliamentary benchmarking exercise.

The Maldives delegation met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Hon. Roger Mancienne, MNA; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gervais Henrie, MNA; the Clerk, Mrs Tania Isaac; and the Deputy Clerk, Ms Alexandria Faure.

Discussions for the benchmarking visit included the aims of the project and how The Maldives may learn from the ways in which The Seychelles’ legislative and judicial systems function as well as exploring any similarities and differences in the way key institution’s function and how resources are managed.

The Maldives delegation included Minority Leader, Hon. Ibrahim Nazil, MNA; Hon. Hussain Riza Adam, MNA; Hon. Hassan Zareer, MNA; Hon. Husnee Mubarik, MNA; and Foreign Relations Officer, Ms Mariyam Waheed.

Above: Members of the Maldives delegation meeting with officials from the National Assembly of Seychelles.

Commonwealth Secretary-General holds first dialogue with Commonwealth Accredited Organisations

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey has held her first dialogue with Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (AOs) at Marlborough House on 15 July 2025.

The Commonwealth has more than 90 Accredited Organisations (including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association), each playing a vital role in advancing the values of the Commonwealth Charter. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg attended the AOs dialogue on behalf of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey outlined plans to deepen collaboration and strengthen the shared mission of the Commonwealth:

“Forging strategic partnerships, with AOs at the centre, for the transformation of the Commonwealth was core to the vision I articulated during my campaign. You are more than partners; you are essential threads in the fabric of our Commonwealth — steadfast champions of its values, mission and spirit.

Together, we can build a Commonwealth that moves with courage and clarity — grounded in values, strengthened by partnership, and driven by the needs of our citizens.”

Above: Members of the Commonwealth's Affiliated Organisations and the Commonwealth Secretary-General outside Marlborough House.

Commonwealth Secretary-General deploys Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Guyana 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has deployed a Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) to Guyana to assess the conditions and preparations for the elections in September 2025.

The five-member Secretariat team met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, representatives from the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Gender Equality Commission.

Above: Members of the Commonwealth pre-election mission and Guyanese officials.

Parliament of Botswana hosts Parliamentary Clerks as part of SoCATT Africa visit

Parliamentary Clerks from the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) Africa Region have visited the Parliament of Botswana as part of the 2025 SoCATT Central Sub-Region Outreach. The visit was led by the Vice-Chairperson of SoCATT Africa and Clerk of the National Assembly of Malawi, Ms Fiona Kalemba, and included senior representatives from Zambia and Sierra Leone. 

This visit to Botswana is part of broader multilateral parliamentary diplomacy efforts that promote international cooperation, peace and democratic governance. Through platforms like the CPA, IPU and SoCATT, Parliaments collaborate, exchange best practices and align on global legislative priorities. The SoCATT Africa visit forms part of a regional tour covering Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia from 16 to 22 July 2025. 

The Clerk of the National Assembly of Botswana, Dr Gabriel Malebang welcomed the visit as it aligns with Botswana’s renewed parliamentary vision and institutional strengthening following the 2024 general elections.

“This engagement comes at an opportune time as we reflect on our progress and seek to strengthen regional collaboration in line with the objectives of the CPA and SoCATT.”  

The SoCATT Africa Vice-Chairperson, Ms Fiona Kalemba recognised Botswana’s continued commitment to CPA and SoCATT ideals, including consistent membership contributions, despite language barriers affecting full participation. She noted that this visit which is the first Central Sub-Region visit in over 15 years is aimed at revitalising collaboration and address regional challenges. 

Parliamentary Speakers from the Commonwealth attend IPU World Speakers Conference

Speakers of Parliament across the world gathered in Geneva, Switzerland from 28-31 July for the 6th World Conference of Speakers. This event, organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and United Nations, gathers Speakers and Deputy-Speakers for workshops, debates and panels on some of the world’s most pressing issues. The Conference has taken place every five years since its foundation in 2000.

The theme of this year’s Conference, “A world in turmoil: Parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism for peace, justice and prosperity for all”, provided an opportunity for delegates to explore the issues of women's and youth parliamentary participation, innovating for a peaceful future, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the role of Parliaments in shaping our digital future and protecting rights through comprehensive anti-discrimination action.

Ahead of the World Speakers Conference, the IPU and Swiss Parliament hosted the 15th Conference of Women Speakers of Parliament on 28 July. The Summit brought together women Speakers and Deputy-Speakers to shape the parliamentary agenda based on emerging political, economic, environmental and social changes that require united and gender-responsive global governance solutions. Delegates this year focussed on the theme of “Leading for inclusive and lasting peace.”

Above: Delegates at the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament.

Read more about the Conferences here.

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