Commonwealth Secretary-General addresses 68th CPC in Barbados

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey has highlighted the role of Parliaments in upholding democracy and the rule of law at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (68th CPC) for over 500 delegates in Bridgetown, Barbados.

One of the largest gatherings of Commonwealth Parliamentarians, the 68th CPC from 5 to 12 October 2025 is being hosted by the Parliament of Barbados and the CPA Barbados Branch and the main conference theme is: ‘The Commonwealth: A Global Partner'.

The CPA annual conference is the only parliamentary association to bring together national, state, provincial and territorial Legislatures and the CPA’s membership includes almost 180 Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, herself a former Parliamentarian in Ghana, addressed delegates at the Conference and said:

“The Commonwealth is an association of nations – but it is also, crucially, an association of Parliaments. Governments propose, but it is Parliaments that debate, amend and decide. You embody the democratic values that lie at the very heart of our Commonwealth Charter. At a time when democracy is under strain, your role is more important than ever.

Strong, inclusive, accountable Parliaments are the foundation on which all our ambitions rest. Without them, there can be no trust, no legitimacy, and no progress. That is why the CPA’s work is so vital – building capacity, sharing best practice, empowering women and young Parliamentarians, and defending the integrity of our democratic institutions.”

Click here to read her full speech.

The other speakers at the event included:

• The Vice-Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, GCMG, SC, the President of Barbados.
• CPA President (2024-2025), Senator Hon. Reginald Farley, JP, President of the Senate of Barbados.
• Hon. Arthur Holder, MP, SC, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Barbados.
• The Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Mottley, SC, MP.
• Hon. Ralph Thorne, MP, the Leader of the Opposition in Barbados.
• The Chairperson of the Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia).
• CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg.

• For further images of the 68th CPC Opening Ceremony please click here.

MPs and parliamentary staff will benefit from professional development, supportive learning and the sharing of best practice with colleagues from across the Commonwealth together with the participation of leading international organisations. The conference also explores a wide range of workshop topics including strengthening Parliaments to support democracy, leveraging technology and AI to transform Parliaments, examining the impact of climate change on global health and building trust in Legislatures.

The 68th CPC will be attended by Speakers, Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament from across the membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPA is the only parliamentary association to bring together national, state, provincial and territorial Legislatures and the CPA’s membership includes almost 180 Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth.

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.