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. 

As well as several current and former CPA Executive Committee members attending on behalf of their Parliaments,  in attendance was a delegation from the CPA Secretariat of the CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg and CPA Head of Strategy and Communications Emily Davies. The CPA Secretary-General said: 

“This Conference points to the crucial role played by Speakers of Parliament from across the world in dealing with some of the most critical issues facing societies today, from the climate crisis to gender equality to peace and prosperity. When meeting with stakeholders this week, I highlighted the commitment of Commonwealth Speakers and the CPA in advancing gender equality and youth participation in politics, and in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.” 

On the Conference sidelines, the CPA delegation held bilateral meetings with Speakers and Parliamentarians from Barbados, Fiji, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Ghana, Malaysia, Tuvalu and South Africa, and several international organisations including Parlatino. Commonwealth Speakers and Deputy Speakers also attended from Australia, Bahamas, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus, Eswatini, Guyana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malta, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone and the UK.

After three days of discussion and negotiation, the Speakers of Parliaments adopted a declaration outlining the major transformations needed to promote peace, justice and prosperity, based on a renewed commitment to deepening Parliamentary cooperation with the United Nations by advocating for the strengthening and greater effectiveness of multilateralism.

15th Conference of Women Speakers of Parliament

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.”

This year’s Conference coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, a resolution adopted by the UN that committed states to advancing the cause of gender equality.

As part of the Conference, Manatū Wāhine (Ministry for Women) New Zealand hosted a panel event to discuss online harm faced by Parliamentarians and its impacts on the functioning of legislatures.

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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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