Barbados Prime Minister highlights the Commonwealth’s role in protecting democracy and the impact of climate change on small states at 3rd Lifaka Lecture at 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP spoke about Parliaments’ role in protecting democracy as well as the ongoing impact of climate change on small islands states at the third CPA Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Lecture.

The 3rd Lifaka Lecture took place on 8 October 2025 in the margins of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados and was attended by delegates and specially invited guests in Bridgetown.

Hon. Mia Mottley also urged the Commonwealth to lead by example and demonstrate that democracy, even in the most trying times, remains the fairest and most effective path to peace, prosperity and human fulfilment.

“Let us move forward hand in hand, with courage and conviction, to build a Commonwealth where democracy is not a privilege of the few, but the birthright of all. This is not simply the work of government but the work of all of our citizens, and those of us who will know better must guide and prepare, to allow those who may not yet be awakened to this reality, the opportunity to join us in this battle that truly will determine whether we progress or whether we regress into the domination of countries and individuals by a few.

It is against this backdrop that we address how we secure the rights and aspirations of our people within the boundaries of our nations. How we protect them from the excessive power of any Executive or any Parliament. How we build democracies that deliver for every resident. We know what we must do. Let us do it together.”

Watch the 3rd CPA Lifaka Lecture below or via YouTube – click here.

Hon. Mia Mottley became Barbados’ first female Prime Minister in 2018 and has had a distinguished parliamentary and legal career. She has held several roles including Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, Attorney-General and Deputy Prime Minister, and she broke barriers as the first woman in multiple senior government positions.

As Prime Minister, Mottley has become a globally recognised leader, renowned for her advocacy on climate change, equity in global economic systems, and fair vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. She oversaw Barbados’ transition to a republic in 2021 and was re-elected for a second term.

The CPA Lifaka Lecture was established in 2023 in memory of Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, the late Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of Cameroon. Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka was a passionate champion of the CPA and served as CPA Chairperson from November 2017 until her untimely death in April 2021. The CPA Lifaka Lecture is intended to provide a fitting tribute to her work.

For images from the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference visit the CPA Flickr page where images will be uploaded throughout the week.

One of the largest gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will bring together over 500 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and decision makers from across the Commonwealth for this unique conference and networking opportunity.

During the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, there will also be a number of additional conferences and meetings including: 41st CPA Small Branches Conference; 9th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference; meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network; the 2025 CPA General Assembly and meetings of the CPA Executive Committee; and the 59th Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings.

During the conference, a number of elections will also take place for the Chairpersons of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network, the CPA Treasurer and the CPA Vice-Chairperson.

The 3rd Lifaka Lecture will also take place as well as the presentations for the 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.

-ENDS-

Further information about the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) can be found at the 68th CPC Hub.

On social media follow the hashtag #68CPC

Images of the 68th CPC are also available at the CPA's Flickr page. 

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) organises its annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) to address global political issues and developments in the parliamentary system through conference workshops and sessions for leading Parliamentarians representing Parliaments and Legislatures throughout the Commonwealth.

The CPA is an international community of almost 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

For media enquiries, please contact communications@cpahq.org.