56 young people from 35 jurisdictions took part in the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia from 26 to 31 July 2026.
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CPA Secretariat team conducts site visit to South Africa ahead of 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
A team from the CPA Secretariat visited South Africa from 25 to 29 May 2026 as part of preparations for the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC). The Conference will be hosted by the Parliament of South Africa and the CPA South Africa Branch in Cape Town from 13 to 18 September 2026.
The CPA team – comprised of the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya and Strategy and Governance Officer, Charlotte Corby - met with employees from the Parliament of South Africa and the Cape Town International Convention Centre to discuss logistics and preparations for the event, with 100s of Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, local organisations and international observers expected to attend the 69th CPC.
During the site visit, the CPA delegation met with the CPA President (2026) and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa, Hon. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, MP (Mpumalanga) to discuss plans for the upcoming conference. They also met with the Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa, Hon. Thoko Didiza, MP. The meetings provided an opportunity to review arrangements, strengthen collaboration and exchange views on shared priorities.
Above: The CPA Secretariat Delegation meeting with CPA President (2026) and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa, Hon. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, MP (Mpumalanga)
Above: CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg with Hon. Thoko Didiza, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa.
Following the visit, the Parliament of South Africa released an official statement:
“The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is a remarkable opportunity for South Africa to showcase its parliamentary work, engage with the international community and highlight its progress and challenges. The CPA South Africa Branch, its Members and international delegates are encouraged to participate actively, ensuring a diverse and successful conference that reflects the nation’s spirit.”
The main theme of this year’s 69th CPC is 'Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership'.
The CPC Programme will involve sessions on key issues in parliamentary governance. In addition, the CPA Small Branches network will host its 42nd Conference, and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network will host its 10th Conference. Find out more about the Conference at our 69th CPC Hub.
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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures at national, state, provincial and territorial level working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.
