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:

• Sark – one of the world’s smallest Parliaments – joins the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
• Commonwealth Speakers and MPs attend IPU’s 151st Assembly to champion humanitarian action
• Parliamentarians from Pakistan, Ontario, Jamaica and Wales recognised at Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year 2025 Awards at 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados
• Sindh delegation visit Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters
• Fiji Speaker strengthens parliamentary ties in the UK
• Parliament of Ghana host Somaliland MPs for Joint Committee Meeting
• Kenya Women MPs visit UK Parliament
• New South Wales Parliament supports Bougainville MPs induction programme
• UN Women launch Legal Equality Handbook with case studies from CWP network
• Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Africa Region undertake election observation in Tanzania
• Seychelles elects first female Speaker to the National Assembly
• CPA Small Branches network supports Falkland Islands educational videos
• Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities network plans accessibility guidelines for Legislatures
• Commonwealth Secretary-General visits Westminster to brief MPs
• Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers call for global action on climate and debt at 11th G20 Summit of Parliamentary Speakers
• Parliament of South Australia hosts 2025 Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG) Conference
• 75 years since the rebuilding of the UK House of Commons Chamber

Sark – one of the world’s smallest Parliaments – joins the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

The Chief Pleas of Sark received formal confirmation as a CPA Branch by the 2025 CPA General Assembly earlier this month, which was attended by delegates from all CPA Branches.

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said:

“We are pleased to welcome the Chief Pleas of Sark into the CPA membership and are confident that its inclusion will further enrich the Association’s diversity and the exchange of parliamentary practice among CPA Branches and Members. We look forward to a constructive and collegial relationship with the Sark Legislature.”

The CPA Sark Branch also joins the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIM) and the CPA Small Branches network which represents the Parliaments in the smallest jurisdictions of the Commonwealth.

Above: The Chief Pleas of Sark meet at the Island Hall.

Read more about the CPA's newest Branch by clicking here.

Commonwealth Speakers and MPs attend IPU’s 151st Assembly to champion humanitarian action

Commonwealth Parliamentarians attended the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland from 19 to 23 October 2025. The overarching theme of the event was on ‘Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis’.

The IPU welcomed the Legislative Council of Brunei Darussalam as its 183rd Member Parliament, becoming the last remaining national Parliament in Asia to join the IPU. In addition, Niger officially regained its seat in the IPU as it had been suspended after a 2023 military coup.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organisation of national Parliaments that began in 1889 to promote peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue.

Read more about CPA Branches involvement at the event by clicking here.

Above: Commonwealth Parliamentarians speak at the 151st IPU Assembly. Images credit: IPU.

Parliamentarians from Pakistan, Ontario, Jamaica and Wales recognised at Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year 2025 Awards at 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados

The Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year 2025 Awards have been announced at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados.

Hon. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, MPA, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab in Pakistan was announced as the recipient of the 2025 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Award in recognition of his transformational leadership and instituting unprecedented reforms that have strengthen transparency, accountability and legislative independence.

Hon. Ted Arnott, the former Speaker of the Ontario Legislature in Canada was awarded the 2025 Parliamentarian Life-time Achievement Award after 35 years of parliamentary service and Hon. James Evans, MS from the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament was awarded the 2025 New Parliamentarian Award in recognition of his contribution to promoting parliamentary democracy in his first term and through his work with multiple Parliamentary Committees.

Hon. Olivia Grange, MP, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Deputy Leader of the House in the Parliament of Jamaica was awarded the 2025 Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award in recognition of her transformational and inclusive leadership in advancing gender equality and social justice in Jamaica.

Above: The awards were presented by the CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) at the conclusion of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados.

Read about the 2025 CPA Awards and the winners by clicking here.

Sindh delegation visit Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Headquarters

The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Hon. Syed Awais Qadir Shah, met with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Stephen Twigg, at the CPA Secretariat in London on 14 October 2025.

The Speaker was joined by the Pakistan High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Mohammad Faisal and Ms Naila Israr, Counsellor (Political) as well as the Secretary-General of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, G.M. Umar Farooq, Director-General, Irfan Ahmed Memon and Huma Ikramullah.

During the meeting, discussions centred on the forthcoming 2nd Joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference to be hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi in February 2026, reaffirming the Commonwealth values of democracy, inclusion, and innovation. The Speaker highlighted the Sindh Provincial Assembly’s commitment to showcasing parliamentary innovations and sustainable initiatives, including e-Parliaments and paper-free legislative practices.

Above: The CPA Sindh delegation with the CPA Secretary-General at CPA Headquarters.

Fiji Speaker strengthens parliamentary ties in the UK

On 15 October 2025, the Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Hon. Filimone Jitoko, met with his counterpart at the UK Parliament, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between the two Parliaments.

The Fijian Speaker expressed his gratitude to CPA UK Branch for its continued support in strengthening parliamentary democracy in Fiji and the two Speakers committed to deepening co-operation through future exchanges and capacity-building initiatives.

Later in the evening, the Speaker of Fiji attended a reception hosted by the UK Parliament’s new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fiji which aims to foster UK-Fiji relations, promoting cultural, economic and diplomatic ties. It is envisaged that this chapter would advocate for Fijian interests in the UK Parliament, highlight contributions in trade and heritage, and strengthen collaboration on climate action, sustainable development and diaspora engagement.

Above: The Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji, Hon. Filimone Jitoko with his counterpart at the UK Parliament, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP. Image credit: UK Parliament Speaker's Office/Fiji Parliament.

Parliament of Ghana host Somaliland MPs for Joint Committee Meeting

On 17 October 2025, the Parliamentary Training Institute (PTI) of the Parliament of Ghana facilitated a joint Committee meeting between Members of the Ghana Parliament and the Somaliland House of Representatives as part of an ongoing week-long training programme in Accra.

The session focused on public financial management and fiscal oversight, providing a platform for Members to share experiences on strengthening parliamentary accountability.

Hon. Davis Opoku Ansah, MP, highlighted the Ghana Parliament’s role in ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency through the budget process, while Hon. Peter Ako Nokoe, MP outlined the work of the Economy and Development Committee in monitoring government projects and post-budget assessments.

The Somaliland delegation, led by Hon. Mohammed Hassan Saeed, expressed appreciation for Ghana’s parliamentary practices and reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance. The collaboration reflects PTI’s ongoing mission to promote inter-parliamentary learning and strengthen democratic institutions across Africa.

Above: Members of the Ghana Parliament and the Somaliland House of Representatives met as part of an ongoing week-long training programme in Accra.

Kenya Women MPs visit UK Parliament

A delegation from the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has engage with counterparts at the UK Parliament in London during a bilateral visit from 20 to 22 October 2025.

The exchange provided a valuable platform to share experiences and best practices on strengthening parliamentary democracy, enhancing legislative oversight and advancing gender-responsive governance.

KEWOPA seeks to promote women’s participation and leadership, foster inclusive policymaking and amplify the voices of women in decision-making spaces both locally and globally.

Above: Members of the Kenya Parliament during their visit to the UK Parliament.

New South Wales Parliament supports Bougainville MPs induction programme

MPs and parliamentary staff from the Parliament of New South Wales in Australia have supported the induction programme for the Bougainville House of Representatives in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

The 5th Parliament session began with the programme for new and returning MPs and delegates were welcomed by the Speaker, Hon. Simon Pentanu. Of the 45 Members, 22 are new and 5 are women. Discussions were held on a wide range of topics from parliamentary privilege and Committees to the role of Members in their communities and balancing local needs and good governance.

The New South Wales delegation including Hon. Nichole Overall, MLC; Hon. Roy Butler, MP; Simon Johnston, Serjeant‑at‑Arms/Clerk Assistant; and Susan Want, Director of the Office of the Clerk of New South Wales Legislative Council.

The New South Wales and Bougainville Parliaments are part of a CPA twinning programme that supports joint professional learning and capacity building among MPs and parliamentary staff in the CPA Pacific and CPA Australia Regions.

Above: Hon. Nichole Overall, MLC from the New South Wales Legislative Council pictured with Members and parliamentary staff from the Bougainville House of Representatives.

UN Women launch Legal Equality Handbook with case studies from CWP network

The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) have contributed case studies to a new UN Women Handbook aimed at legal equality. 

The Understanding, Assessing and Achieving Equality Before the Law in the Commonwealth Handbook is a toolbox to designed to aid Commonwealth Parliamentarians, Legislatures, judges, policy makers, policy influencers, academics and advocates working in governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental spaces at advancing de jure equality (equality in the laws) in the Commonwealth.

It offers critical actors engaged in efforts to combat discriminatory law guidance in assessing and undertaking gender responsive legislative reforms. For Parliamentarians, the Handbook provides resources for preparing for debates on Bills which promote gender equality and offers six key lessons and recommendations for successful law reform.

Members of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network contributed to this piece of research through the provision of case studies and examples of legislation from their Parliaments that promote gender equality and contributes to efforts to eliminate discriminatory law.

Case studies included in the Handbook highlight legislation and best practice from CPA Branches such as Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea to name a few.

To read more and download the Handbook please click here.

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Africa Region undertake election observation in Tanzania

A delegation from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Region have undertaken an Election Observation Mission to Tanzania, led by Hon. Madina Ndangiza, MP (Rwanda), Chairperson of the CWP Africa Region. General elections were held in Tanzania on 29 October 2025 to elect the President, Members of the National Assembly and ward councillors and the CWP mission observed the election processes taking place and the impact of the elections on women in Tanzania.

As part of the mission, the CWP Africa delegation met with the CPA Africa Assistant Regional Secretary, Daniel Eliufoo on behalf of the Regional Secretary. The delegation also held meetings with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and visited the Returning Officer for the Dodoma Mjini and Mtumba Constituencies in Dodoma City.

Seychelles elects first female Speaker to the National Assembly

The National Assembly of Seychelles elected the first woman as Speaker on 28 October 2025 when Hon. Azarel Ernesta was elected at the First Sitting of the 8th National Assembly in Mahé.

The historic moment for the Legislature reflects the Seychelles ongoing commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in leadership roles. The National Assembly of Seychelles also has an all-female leadership team (Speaker, Clerk and Deputy Clerk). The National Assembly Service, which is responsible for supporting the functioning of Parliament, also has a majority female workforce with many women holding senior positions within the directorate and management. The Seychelles has continued to amplify the voice of Seychellois women and has advanced educational and professional opportunities for women across all sectors.

The transition also marked the conclusion of the tenure of former Speaker, Hon. Roger Mancienne, who led the 7th National Assembly through its five-year mandate.

The Seychelles joined the Commonwealth in 1976, and the CPA Seychelles Branch was formed in 1995 at the National Assembly. The CPA Seychelles Branch is part of the CPA Africa Region as well as the CPA Small Branches network, which represents the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

Above: The new Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles - Hon. Azarel Ernesta.

CPA Small Branches network supports Falkland Islands educational videos

The CPA Small Branches Regional Initiative Funds (RIF) has supported the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly in their production of two educational videos launched before the 2025 Falkland Islands General Election on 11 December 2025.

The two videos were produced by the Falkland Islands Film Company and feature MLAs speaking about the roles in the Legislature.

The first video explores ‘why you should consider standing for election’ and the second video is on ‘why it's important to vote’. The two videos were shown in the Falkland Islands and shared on social media as part of an awareness raising campaign.

Find out more and watch the videos by clicking here.

Above: The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly meets at Gilbert House.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities network plans accessibility guidelines for Legislatures

As part of its ongoing work in making Legislatures more accessible to persons with disabilities, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network is planning to publish guidance on conducting accessibility audits for the benefit of the CPA’s membership.

Many Parliaments find that an accessibility audit is a crucial step to be taken ahead of making changes to their facilities, ensuring that the right areas are being prioritised to maximise the impact of adjustments to their premises.

The Scottish Parliament invited the CPwD Network to observe their first accessibility audit to learn about the measures undertaken in assessing the Parliament’s access to persons with disabilities. 

The CPwD Regional Champion for the CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region, Jeremy Balfour, MSP (Scotland) said:

“I'm pleased that the Scottish Parliament could assist the CPwD network whilst developing its accessibility guidance for Commonwealth Legislatures via the observation of our audit. The audit is an important step towards full inclusion within our Parliament, and I hope that through the network's forthcoming self-assessment framework, our experience can inspire and support other Commonwealth Legislatures in undertaking similar work. Accessibility is fundamental to democratic participation, and the CPwD network's leadership in this area is making meaningful change across the globe.”

Find out more about the CPwD's audit observation at the Scottish Parliament by clicking here. 

Commonwealth Secretary-General visits Westminster to brief MPs

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey visited the UK Parliament on 27 October 2025 to meet with the Commonwealth All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) and the CPA UK Branch.

The Commonwealth APPG, co-chaired by Lord Syed Kamall and Hon. Andrew Rosindell, MP, brings together Members of Parliament with policymakers, diplomatic representatives and civil society to discuss the Commonwealth. Hon. Shirley Botchwey spoke about democracy, young people and small states as well as the common vision to transform the lives of 2.7 billion people across the Commonwealth, before answering questions from Members of both Houses of Parliament. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg also attended the briefing.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General also met with the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch chaired by Hon. Kate Osamor, MP and thanked them for their leadership in keeping the Commonwealth visible and valued within the UK Parliament.

Above: The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey (centre) with Members of the CPA UK Branch Executive Committee.

Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers call for global action on climate and debt at 11th G20 Summit of Parliamentary Speakers

Presiding Officers and Speakers of Parliament and observer organisations from across the Commonwealth met in South Africa for the 11th G20 Summit of Parliamentary Speakers (P20).

The South African Parliament hosted the summit in Kleinmond outside Cape Town, from 29 September to 3 October 2025. This gathering of Speakers and Presiding Officers from Group of Twenty (G20) member countries was held under the theme of ‘Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’.

Presiding Officers from across the Commonwealth attended the Summit, including from G20 countries like Canada, India, South Africa, the UK and Australia, with Nigeria, Botswana and Namibia taking part as observers as well as representatives of the South African Provincial Legislatures.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Hon. Thokozile Didiza, MP, spoke at the Summit. The P20 Presidency will now pass from South Africa to the United States.

Above: Delegates at the 11th G20 Summit of Parliamentary Speakers (P20).

To read more about the P20 Summit of Parliamentary Speakers in South Africa please click here.

Parliament of South Australia hosts 2025 Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG) Conference

From 1 to 3 October 2025, the Parliament of South Australia proudly hosted the 2025 Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG) Conference and welcomed delegates from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.

This year’s theme, ‘Modern Parliaments: Changing Roles, Expectations and Challenges’, sparked insightful discussions on how parliamentary institutions are evolving to meet contemporary demands. It was a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, strengthen connections and reflect on the future of democratic governance.

75 years since the rebuilding of the UK House of Commons Chamber

October 2025 marks 75 years since the reconstruction of the UK House of Commons Chamber, which was bombed in May 1941 and reopened by King George VI on the 26 October 1950. The Chamber has provided the iconic setting for the workings of UK Parliamentary democracy and remains a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal.

During the reconstruction of the UK House of Commons Chamber, many Commonwealth countries provided materials that were using the rebuilding. The floorboards of the Commons Chamber were made from walnut from Queensland, Australia, while copper mined in Zambia provided the materials for electrical wiring and telecoms.

In 1948, Commonwealth countries provided resources to furnish the UK House of Commons Chamber, a tradition that has been reciprocated between many Commonwealth Legislatures.

In the UK Chamber for example, the Speaker’s Chair was carved from Black Bean Wood gifted from Australia, the Clerks’ Chairs from South African Stinkwood and the Clerks’ Table from Canadian White Oak. Metals for silver gilt ashtrays, inkwells and letter racks came from Zimbabwe.

A new exhibition in the UK Parliament’s Portcullis House tells the story of the Chamber’s reconstruction.

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