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:

• New global guide launched for MPs on climate crisis and solutions
• French MPs meet with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to learn about best practice in parliamentary diplomacy
• Speaker of Canada meets CPA Secretary-General during Westminster visit
• Cyprus House of Representatives delegation welcomed to Parliament of India
• Fijian MPs visit New Zealand Parliament
• President of India addresses Parliament of Botswana
• Tobago Assembly visit Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly in Canada
• Report launch and webinar: 'Gender Quotas and other Positive Action Measures Across the Commonwealth' with King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL)
• Highlighting International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025
• Niue’s wartime contribution recognised at UK Armistice Day ceremony
• Jersey States Assembly hosts Public Accounts Committee Members from across CPA BIM Region
• India's Lok Sabha Speaker opens CPA Zone III Conference for North-East States in Nagaland
• Royal portrait unveiled at Jersey’s Parliament
• Tonga’s King marks groundbreaking for future Legislative Assembly building
• Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies gather for the 2025 UK Youth Parliament
• Trinidad and Tobago Parliament hosts its 22nd National Youth Parliament
• Antigua and Barbuda and The Commonwealth Secretariat announces new theme on partnership and prosperity for CHOGM 2026
• Senate of Pakistan host Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in Islamabad

New global guide launched for MPs on climate crisis and solutions

A new guide launched at COP30 in Brazil will help policymakers understand the dangers of climate change – and the solutions that can bring about a safe and sustainable future.

The Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions contains contributions from world-leading climate experts to provide policymakers everywhere with the latest evidence.

Featuring chapters on the fundamentals of climate change, biodiversity loss, climate adaptation, the low-carbon transition, food security and production, and carbon markets – the new guide also features a foreword written by youth climate campaigners and scientists that urges “brave and authentic leadership to navigate this age of complexity and uncertainty”.

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg, endorsed the guide and said:

“The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is delighted to support this important new global guide as a useful tool for our all our members. Rapid climate action is an imperative for human health and wellbeing as well as long term economic prosperity.”

Coordinated by the University of Exeter, Arizona State University and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the guide’s authors include international academic experts, climate leaders and senior UN representatives who stress the urgency of taking action and the need for politicians and lawmakers to work together with the scientific community to counter the threat of climate change.

To find out more about the Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions and download a copy click here.

French MPs meet with Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to learn about best practice in parliamentary diplomacy

Two Members of the Assemblée National de France (National Assembly of France) – Hon. Pierre Pribetich, MP and Hon. Liliana Tanguy, MP - met with the CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg on 13 November 2025 during a fact-finding mission to London on parliamentary diplomacy and identifying examples of good practice in parliamentary strengthening.

Discussions included the CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures which provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice. These CPA Benchmarks play an important part in developing the effectiveness of parliamentary institutions across the almost 180 Parliaments and Legislatures of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at a national, state, provincial and territorial level.

The visit was organised by the French Embassy in the United Kingdom and the French delegation also met with the British Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the UK Parliament.

Above (left to right): The CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg; Hon. Liliana Tanguy, MP; Hon. Pierre Pribetich, MP, two Members of the Assemblée National de France (National Assembly of France). Image credit: CPA Secretariat.

Speaker of Canada meets CPA Secretary-General during Westminster visit

The Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, Hon. Francis Scarpaleggia, MP met with the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg on 13 November 2025 to discuss a wide range of activities including professional development support for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff through the CPA Parliamentary Academy and the work of the CPA networks for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), CPA Small Branches and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD).

The Speaker-led delegation of four MPs and four parliamentary staff from the Parliament of Canada were attending a two-day programme at the UK Parliament hosted by the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP. The Canadian delegation – including Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, MP; Hon. Dean Allison, MP; and Hon. Martin Champoux, MP – also met with the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords, UK MPs and Peers, the CPA UK Branch Executive Committee and the UK Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Canada.

Above: The Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, Hon. Francis Scarpaleggia, MP (3rd from left) with the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg (2nd from left), Canadian MPs and Sarah Dickson, CPA UK Branch Secretary/CPA BIM Regional Secretary. Image credit: CPA Secretariat.

Cyprus delegation visit Parliament of India

A Cypriot Parliamentary Delegation, led by the President of the Cyprus House of Representatives, Hon. Annita Demetriou, visited the Parliament of India in Delhi on 27 November 2025.

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Hon. Shri Om Birla welcomed the Cyprus delegation to the Parliament and expressed that India and Cyprus share a deep-rooted friendship anchored in democratic values and mutual trust.

Discussions at the bilateral meeting included parliamentary traditions, technology-driven reforms including Digital Sansad, and the renewed momentum in bilateral ties following a visit by the India Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to Cyprus earlier this year.

The visit of the Cypriot delegation – which included Hon. Aristos Damianou, MP and Hon. Nicos Tornaritis, MP – was the first bilateral visit between the two Parliaments in over 30 years and will further strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two Legislatures.

Above: The President of the Cyprus House of Representatives, Hon. Annita Demetriou and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Hon. Shri Om Birla during the bilateral meetings in India. Image credit: Parliament of India.

Fijian MPs visit New Zealand Parliament

In November 2025, a delegation from the Parliament of Fiji visited the New Zealand Parliament to meet with the Education and Workforce Committees to share knowledge to support good governance across the Pacific.

The Fiji delegation of Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, MP; Hon. Semi Koroilavesau, MP; Hon. Shalen Kumar, MP; Hon. Kalaveti Ravu, MP; Hon. Alipate Tuicolo, MP; and Hon. Jone Usamate, MP had the opportunity to meet with the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, MP and New Zealand MPs – Hon. Jenny Salesa, MP; Hon. Teanau Tuiono, MP; Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, MP (also CPA Vice-Chairperson); Hon. Rachel Brooking, MP; Hon. Lemauga Lydia Sosene, MP; Hon. Greg O’Connor, MP and Hon. Ingrid Leary, MP.

A mihi whakatau (traditional welcome ceremony) was held at the Parliament building to mark the delegation’s arrival. This visit was supported by the New Zealand Parliament’s Inter-Parliamentary Relations Tai a Kiwa: Stronger Pacific Parliaments programme, which plays a vital role in providing programmes, support and technical assistance to Parliaments across the Pacific.

Above: Members of the Fiji Parliament meet with the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, MP (centre right).

President of India addresses Parliament of Botswana

The President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu visited the Parliament of Botswana on 12 November 2025 where she had the opportunity to address Members of Parliament. The President was accompanied by Minister of State, Shri V. Somanna and two Indian MPs, Shri P. Vasava and Smt D. K. Aruna.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse welcomed the President of India during her three-day visit to the country.

In her address, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted that, since independence, Botswana has built a nation that stands tall for its commitment towards peace, stability and inclusive development. She also hailed Botswana as a shining example of democracy, good governance and effective leadership saying:

"It is a testament of what is possible, when a democracy is allowed to function for the welfare of the common people, when the national resources are deployed towards holistic development of the country and for the upliftment of the disadvantaged and less privileged ones."

Above: The President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu during her visit to the Parliament of Botswana meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse and MPs. Image credit: Parliament of Botswana.

Tobago Assembly visit Northwest Territories in Canada

The Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly welcomed a 26-member delegation from the Tobago House of Assembly, led by the Presiding Officer, Ms Abby Taylor.

The theme of the study tour was ‘Resilient by Design: Learning, Leading and Legislating Across Borders’ and the group - including youth debaters, teachers and staff - toured the Legislative building, observed a Committee meeting, and explored consensus government and legislative procedures. It was a day of sharing ideas and building connections across Legislatures.

Above: The delegation from Tobago pictured in the Chamber of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. Image credit: Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly.

Report launch and webinar: Gender Quotas and other Positive Action Measures Across the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) held a webinar on 25 November 2025 examining gender quotas and other positive measures to advance gender equality across the Commonwealth.

The online event was held to mark the launch of a new report developed in collaboration with King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL), the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and members of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network to examine ‘Positive Action Measures in Commonwealth Parliaments: Advancing Gender Equality in Politics Across the Commonwealth’. This report also assesses the results of direct interventions for gender equality.

The webinar audience heard from:

• the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Catherine Fife, MPP (Ontario)
• the Chair of the King’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, Hon. Julia Gillard, AC, former Prime Minister of Australia (via video message)
• Hon. Katya De Giovanni, MP (Malta) and Senator Quratulain Marri (Senate of Pakistan) who shared lived experiences in their respective jurisdictions
• the authors of the report, Dr Minna Cowper-Coles and Katherine Shuttleworth 

To read more about the webinar and to download the new report please click here.

Highlighting International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2025

The online event on gender quotas coincided with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women #IDEVAW (25 November) which also marks the beginning of #16DaysOfActivism against violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, issued a statement to mark 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in which she said:

"No woman is safe until all women are safe. And that safety begins where fear ends - in our homes, neighbourhoods, communities and countries." Read her full statement.

To coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women #IDEVAW, the CPA published a blog on how the Child Marriage Restraint Bills were passed in Pakistan.

• BLOG: ‘A Future for Every Girl’: How the Child Marriage Bill in Pakistan was passed
  This article was written by Hon. Sharmila Faruqi, a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and former Member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly. Read the blog.

Niue’s wartime contribution recognised at UK Armistice Day ceremony

The Western Front Association has remembered the small Pacific island of Niue’s wartime contribution for the first time at their Armistice Day ceremony on 11 November 2025. The Armistice Day ceremony this year marks the 111th anniversary of the start of The Great War.

Niuean Dr Dean Rex, the grandson of Niue’s first post-independence Premier, was invited to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, to remember the service of his countrymen.

Above: Dr Dean Rex, representing the people of Niue, following the laying of the first wreath on behalf of the islanders at the Cenotaph in London, UK. Image credit: Western Front Association.

During the First World War when all territories of the British Empire were called upon to support the war effort, citizens from Niue answered the call. In 1915, around 150 volunteers sailed from the Pacific island for training as labourers in the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion before continuing to Egypt then northern France. Several suffered from disease on the journey and in the terrible conditions in the wet trenches of the battlefield.

The connection between the Western Front Association and the Niue Assembly was made as the result of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) staff member, Fraser McIntosh connecting the two organisations following a CPA Democratic Benchmarks visit to Niue.

To read more about the ceremony please click here. 

Jersey hosts Public Accounts Committee Members from across CPA BIM Region

The Jersey States Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee hosted representatives from across the British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) on 7 November 2025. The Regional seminar brought together Members of Public Accounts Committees and representatives of respective Audit Offices from a diverse range of jurisdictions – including Gibraltar, the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland.

Discussions included how PACs can effectively track the implementation of their recommendations; the challenges and benefits of audit institutions; and the role of PACs in scrutinising significant spend by government in areas such as capital programmes, health spending and annual reporting.

The Chair of the Jersey Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said:

“These networking conferences are an excellent opportunity to share, listen to and learn from other PACs around the world. Whilst our political processes may differ, many of the challenges we face are similar, and there is lots to learn from other jurisdictions.”

Above: Participants at the regional seminar for Public Accounts Committees in the Chamber of the Jersey States Assembly. Image credit: Jersey States Assembly.

India Speaker opens CPA Zone III Conference for North-East States

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha at the Parliament of India, Hon. Om Birla inaugurated the 22nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference for the North-Eastern States in Kohima, Nagaland. The Speaker is also the CPA India Regional Chairperson.

The two-day event was held from 9 to 10 November 2025 and brought together Presiding Officers, MPs and MLAs from the CPA India Zone-III which comprises the eight North-Eastern States. With the theme of 'Policy, Progress and People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change', the Conference aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and promote responsive governance in the Region.

Also attending the opening session were the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Harivansh, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Hon. Neiphiu Rio, and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker, Hon. Sharingain Longkumer.

The plenary sessions focused on two sub-themes – the ‘Role of Legislatures in Achieving Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Climate Change - In the Light of Recent Cloudbursts and Landslides in Parts of the Northeast Region’.

The CPA India Region has played a vital role in fostering regional cooperation, promoting parliamentary best practices and addressing key regional issues such as infrastructure development.

Above: Delegates at the 22nd CPA India Region Zone-III Conference for the North-Eastern States in Kohima, Nagaland.

Royal portrait unveiled at Jersey’s Parliament

HRH The Princess Royal unveiled a new portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Royal Court Building in Jersey on 4 November 2025. The portrait was created to commemorate the royal couple’s 2024 visit to Jersey when they attended a special sitting of the Jersey States Assembly.

The portrait was created by Jersey artist Jason Butler and shows the first visit of a reigning sovereign since the late Queen Elizabeth in 2005.

The Bailiff of Jersey, Hon. Robert MacRae, said:

"We are honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal graciously unveiled it for us.”

Above: HRH The Princess Royal (centre) with the Bailiff of Jersey, Hon. Robert MacRae (left) and Jersey artist Jason Butler following the unveiling of the new royal portrait. Image credit: ITV Jersey.

Tonga’s King marks groundbreaking for future Legislative Assembly building

On 4 November 2025, His Majesty King Tupou VI attended a historical groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Legislative Assembly of Tonga at the Talangaholo Royal Estate, Tufumahina. The groundbreaking for the new Parliament building also coincided with ceremonies marking the 150th anniversary of the Tonga Constitution.

The new Parliament building will replace the original structure damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018 and is designed to reflect Tonga’s rich cultural heritage while incorporating modern materials for enhanced climate resilience. The building project is being supported by the Government of Tonga, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and the Government of New Zealand as well as additional support from the Japanese Government.

The Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua recognised the historic day for the Legislative Assembly as the country also marked the sesquicentennial of its Constitution.

“Parliament is the heart of a nation’s democracy. It is where the voices of all people are represented – from the smallest villages all the way to His Majesty the King. It is a place where Tonga’s tough decisions are made, and where its future pathway is forged. As construction begins, we look forward to seeing this site transform into a building that embodies the strength, culture, and aspirations of the people of Tonga and our Pacific family - a climate-resilient, accessible and culturally grounded institution that will stand as a modern tribute to King George Tupou I’s vision of a sovereign, united Tonga.”

Representatives attended from New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New South Wales.

Above: The ceremonies for the groundbreaking for the new Parliament building in Tonga took place with King Tupou VI as well as the Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua and representatives from Australia, Papua New Guinean and New Zealand. Images: Tonga Parliament and Australia Consulate.

Young people from across the UK, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies gather for the 2025 UK Youth Parliament

On Thursday 6 November 2025, Members of the UK’s Youth Parliament debated in the House of Commons, London. This year the Speaker of the House of Commons invited young people from the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to speak on an important topic to them and their territory in a two-minute speech. Delegates and visitors heard speeches from representatives of the Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Guernsey.

The UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Members of the Youth Parliament to represent their peers. Young people vote for their MYPs in elections every two years, which are held in over 70% of constituencies.

Above: Participants in the 2025 UK Youth Parliament in the UK House of Commons Chamber. The UK Youth Parliament is one of the biggest in the Commonwealth. Image credit: UK Parliament.

Trinidad and Tobago Parliament hosts its 22nd National Youth Parliament

On 24 November 2025, the 22nd National Youth Parliament Debate was held at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago in Port-of-Spain. The Youth Parliamentarians debate a number of topics including the impact of Artificial Intelligence and cyberbullying on young people.

Above: The Trinidad and Tobago Youth Parliamentarians were pictured with the President of the Senate, Senator Hon. Wade Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jagdeo Singh, MP. Image credit: Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.

Antigua and Barbuda announces new theme on partnership and prosperity for CHOGM 2026

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Secretariat have announced that the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 to 4 November 2026.

The CHOGM 2026 theme will be 'Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth'.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne said the theme reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s enduring belief in unity, progress, and equality among nations:

“The theme speaks to a truth we live by in Antigua and Barbuda: when each of us plays our part - in our homes, our communities, and our nations - we all move forward. It echoes our national motto, ‘Each Endeavouring, All Achieving’, reminding us that real progress happens when we work together to build a future where everyone has the chance to thrive. Antigua and Barbuda is proud to open our doors to the Commonwealth in 2026 - to host, to listen, and to lead with purpose.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey said the theme captures the Commonwealth’s modern mission to turn ambition into action:

“This theme captures the spirit of partnership and enterprise that defines the modern Commonwealth. Together, we are building bridges of opportunity between governments and business, between people and ideas, to deliver tangible results for our citizens. As we look to CHOGM 2026, hosted with warmth and pride by Antigua and Barbuda, our focus is clear: to accelerate progress and prosperity through shared investment, innovation and inclusion.”

The programme of high-level side events, Ministers’ meetings and forums – including the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth Women’s Forum, the Commonwealth Business Forum and the Commonwealth People’s Forum – will be held in the lead-up to CHOGM 2026.

During CHOGM 2026, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and a delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentarians will join a number of events, bilateral meetings with key stakeholders and visit the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda.

It was also announced that Sir Vivian Richards, Antigua and Barbuda’s cricketing legend and national hero, has been appointed CHOGM 2026 Envoy.

The launch ceremony also featured the unveiling of the official CHOGM 2026 logo, designed by Ms Chaneil C. Imhoff, winner of the national logo competition. The design incorporates an abstract frigate bird, symbolising freedom, strength, and forward movement, a reflection of Antigua and Barbuda’s role as a connector and host for meaningful global dialogue. The logo’s vibrant colours, drawn from the national flag and the Commonwealth palette, represent unity, renewal, and collaboration.

Above: The new CHOGM 2026 logo is revealed at the ceremony held in Antigua and Barbuda. Image credit: Commonwealth Secretariat.

For more information, please click here to visit the Commonwealth Secretariat website.

Pakistan host Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference in Islamabad

The two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) has been hosted by the Parliament of Pakistan from 10 to 12 November 2025 on the theme of ‘Peace, Security and Development’.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Senate, Senator Hon. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani welcomed parliamentary delegations from nearly forty countries and representatives of international organisations to the conference in Islamabad. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Hon. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif gave a keynote address.

Delegations attended from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Serbia, Algeria, Barbados, Malaysia, Maldives, Tajikistan, Rwanda, Cameroon, the Philippines, Qatar, Liberia, and Guatemala.

The ISC aims to strengthen global parliamentary cooperation, promote dialogue and mutual respect, and foster collective action for peace and sustainable development. It was first constituted in South Korea in April 2025.

Above: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Hon. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Chairman of the Pakistan Senate, Senator Hon. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani joined delegates at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC). Inage credit: Senate of Pakistan.

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