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:

• Commonwealth MPs attend 152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye
• CPA launches Green Mace Initiative to recognise Parliaments commitments to sustainability
• Kenya Senate Speaker leads Parliamentary Committee visit to CPA Headquarters
• Western Cape MP visits CPA Headquarters in London
• Australian Speaker leads parliamentary visits to Bangladesh and Malaysia
• Gauteng delegation visits Seychelles
• Scottish Presiding Officer visits Ontario Legislative Assembly
• Trinidad and Tobago Parliament supports young women into leadership
• Parliament of Victoria hosts Women Parliamentarians from Pacific Region
• MPs from CPA Small Branches attend workshop on ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’ in The Maldives
• Australian Parliament set to host its first National Youth Parliament
• British Virgin Islands hosts Overseas Territories Attorneys-General Conference
• Canadian Senate displays new model of CPA Patron, Queen Elizabeth II
• CPA Africa Regional Secretariat meet with Malawi Parliament delegation
• Goa hosts the first CPA India Zone VII Conference
• Australian and Pacific Parliaments examine role of Public Accounts Committee at biennial conference in Tasmania
• Australian Parliaments light up in tribute to late Queen
• UK Parliament pays tribute to the late Queen’s centenary
• Commonwealth organisations join plans for CHOGM 2026
• Commonwealth Secretary-General addresses 5th Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit 2026

Commonwealth MPs attend 152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye

A delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth attended the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye from 15 to 19 April 2026.

During the IPU Assembly week, Speakers and Members of Parliament debated several key themes including the main topic of ‘Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations’. Delegates were welcomed by the IPU President, Hon. Dr Tulia Ackson, MP (Tanzania); the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Hon. Numan Kurtulmuş and the outgoing IPU Secretary-General, Martin Chungong.

The election of the new IPU Secretary-General took place. The ninth IPU Secretary-General beginning a new four-year term is Anda Filip from Romania. The other candidates were Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou (Greece); Sangsoo Jun (South Korea); Fatou Dieng Thiam (Senegal) and Cecilia Widegren (Sweden).

The CPA delegation consisted of the CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia); CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya and CPA Gender Lead, Bénite Dibateza. They held bilateral meetings with several organisations including the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, Socialist International and UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, with Commonwealth Parliamentarians from CPA Branches including Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Bangladesh, Malta, Lesotho, Pakistan, Nigeria, Maldives, Seychelles, Malawi, Samoa, Fiji, Mozambique, and Eswatini and with MPs from non-Commonwealth Parliaments including Mongolia and Morocco.

Click here to read the news story.

Above: The CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) and CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya meeting with delegates at the 152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye.

CPA launches Green Mace Initiative to recognise Parliaments commitments to sustainability

The CPA’s Green Mace Initiative serves as an acknowledgment of member Parliaments’ commitment to environmental and sustainability excellence. This initiative aims to recognise those who go above and beyond in their environmental practices, setting a standard for others to follow.

The Green Mace is a symbolic recognition in the form of a certificate awarded to the Parliament, adorned with a specially designed 'Green Mace' Mark. It provides an opportunity for the CPA and the individual Parliament to showcase their achievements and leadership in environmental sustainability.

In 2026, the first Parliaments to be awarded with the Green Mace Award will be recognised at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Find out more about the Green Mace Initiative.

Kenya Senate Speaker leads Parliamentary Committee visit to CPA Headquarters

A delegation from the Parliament of Kenya visited the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters on 9 April 2026 as part of a visit to the United Kingdom.

The Speaker of the Kenya Senate, Rt Hon. Amason J. Kingi, EGH, MP led the delegation from the Senate’s Committee of Powers and Privileges in a meeting with the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and the Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya. The Kenya delegation included five Senators – Senator David Wafula Wakoli, CBS, MP; Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, MGH, MP; Senator Shakila Abdalla Mohamed, MP; Senator Alexander Mundigi Munyi, MP; Senator Essy Okenyuri Nyaituga, MP - and nine parliamentary staff who were in London on a fact-finding mission.

The Kenya delegation heard about the CPA’s work in the CPA Africa Region as well as the work of the CPA networks for Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), CPA Small Branches and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD).

Above: Members of the Kenya Senate delegation with the CPA Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General during their visit to CPA Headquarters. Image credit: CPA Secretariat.

Western Cape MP visits CPA Headquarters in London

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Stephen Twigg received a visit from Hon. Khalid Sayed, MPL, the Leader of the Opposition and a Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in South Africa on 15 April 2026.

Discussions focused on the work of the Association in the CPA Africa Region as well as the forthcoming 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference due to be held in Cape Town in September 2026.

Above: The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and Hon. Khalid Sayed from the Western Cape Provincial Parliament in South Africa at the CPA Headquarters. Image credit: CPA Secretariat.

Australian Speaker leads parliamentary visits to Bangladesh and Malaysia

The Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, MP led a parliamentary visit to Bangladesh, the first Commonwealth Speaker to visit the country since the recent elections.

The Australian delegation visited Bangladesh on 9 April 2026 and began with a meeting at the Bangladesh Parliament in Dhaka with the Speaker, Hon. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, MP; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Qaiser Kamal, MP; and senior officials.

The Australian delegation included the Deputy Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Sharon Claydon, MP; Hon. Basem Abdo, MP; Senator Deborah O'Neill; Senator Andrew McLahan; and the Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Susanne Rile.

The Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament said that Australia's relationship with Bangladesh is historical with bilateral and diplomatic relations dating back to 1971. The Speaker also said that the current government has begun a new chapter of parliamentary democracy and the active participation of the Opposition is advancing parliamentary democracy in a ‘lively Parliament’.

The Australian Speaker said that Australia will always support the strengthening of parliamentary democracy and empowering women in parliamentary representation through education.

Above: The Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, Hon. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, MP presents the Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, MP with a gift watched by the Deputy Speaker of the Australian House, Hon. Sharon Claydon, MP (left).

In Malaysia, the cross-party delegation from the Australian Parliament, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, MP, visited Kuala Lumpur to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral meetings were held with the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), Hon. Tan Sri Dato' Johari Abdul, MP and the President of the Dewan Negara (Senate of Malaysia), Senator Hon. Dato' Awang Bemee bin Awang Ali Basah.

Discussions focused on areas of common interest, including parliamentary reform, institutional strengthening, education ties, youth engagement and leadership, and health policies.

The Malaysia Speaker reaffirmed the strong and enduring ties between Malaysia and Australia, and he invited Australia to continue deepening its engagement with ASEAN, recognising the importance of strengthening regional cooperation amid an evolving global landscape. He also highlighted the significance of the bilateral economic relationship as Malaysia remains Australia’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN and its ninth-largest trading partner globally, reflecting the depth and resilience of the economic ties.

Above: The Australian parliamentary delegation visiting the Parliament of Malaysia. Image credit: Parliament of Malaysia.

Gauteng delegation visits Seychelles

On 15 April 2026, a delegation from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) in South Africa conducted a study visit to the National Assembly of Seychelles. The delegation comprised of Members of the GPL Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Committee (CoGTA), led by the Chairperson, Hon. Mzikayifane Khumalo, MPL.

The Deputy Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly, Hon. Egbert Aglae, MP met with the delegation and had the opportunity to discuss the aims of their mission, as well as the programme ahead. The Deputy Speaker opened the meeting by remarking on the positive relations between South Africa and Seychelles. Discussions centered on the role of the Legislature in maintaining effective service delivery, through partnerships and collaboration with the Executive through the District Administration.

Above: The delegation from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in South Africa pictured during their study visit to the National Assembly of Seychelles. Image credit: National Assembly of Seychelles.

Scottish Presiding Officer visits Ontario Legislative Assembly

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon. Alison Johnstone, MSP visited the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in Canada on 14 April 2026 as part of a visit to North America.

Alison Johnstone met with her counterpart, Hon. Donna Skelly, MPP, the Speaker of the Ontario Legislature at Queen’s Park in Toronto before going on to meet with Ontario's Premier, Hon. Doug Ford, MPP and his Ministerial colleagues.

The Scottish Presiding Officer also met with the International Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Catherine Fife, MPP (Ontario) to share insights on women in Parliament and the challenges in equal representation.

Above: The delegation from the Scottish Parliament with the Premier of Ontario, Hon. Doug Ford, MPP. Image credit: Ontario Legislative Assembly.

Trinidad and Tobago Parliament supports young women into leadership

The 3rd cohort of the Young Women Empowered to Serve (YES) Leadership Programme was launched on 10 April 2026 at the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago’s Rotunda Gallery. The programme was developed for young women with an interest in the national decision-making process. It is intended to create a group of young women who will seek leadership roles in society under the guidance of former and current women Parliamentarians without the affiliation of political parties.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament and the President of the Women Parliamentarians of Trinidad and Tobago (WPTT), Hon. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, MP welcomed the participants of the YES Leadership Programme Cohort 3.

During the launch event, 50 young women were chosen to be a part the programme which will offer a pragmatic blend of professional development, mentorship and networking with exposure to the legislative process, diplomacy and protocol, leadership and advocacy aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to occupy spaces of influence.

Above: The Leader of the Opposition in the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament, Hon. Pennelope Beckles-Robinson, MP (centre) welcomed the participants of the YES Leadership Programme Cohort 3. Image: Trinidad and Tobago Parliament.

Parliament of Victoria hosts Women Parliamentarians from Pacific Region

A Women’s Talanoa Workshop was held at Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia from 21 to 23 April 2026 bringing together women Members of Parliament from Bougainville, Nauru, Vanuatu, Victoria and New South Wales. Participants discussed advocacy, representation and online safety during the workshop at the Parliament of Victoria.

The programme brought together women leaders from Pacific and Australian Parliaments to engage in Talanoa — a uniquely Pacific approach to dialogue and storytelling that emphasises listening, shared experience and collective solutions. Through Talanoa, participants are strengthening connections, learning from one another, and advancing inclusive and safe political spaces for women.

The workshop was supported by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (though the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Gender Strengthening Funds) and UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.

Above: Participants from Bougainville, Nauru, Vanuatu, Victoria and New South Wales at the Women’s Talanoa Workshop held at Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia. Image: Parliament of Victoria.

MPs from CPA Small Branches attend workshop on ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’ in The Maldives

Parliamentary representatives from around the Commonwealth attended the CPA Small Branches Workshop 2026 from 27 to 29 April 2026, under the theme of ‘Strong and Independent Parliaments in Small Jurisdictions’. Delegates were hosted by the Parliament of Maldives (People’s Majlis) in Malé.

The Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP, said:

“The presence of Speakers, Deputy Speakers and Ministerial-level delegates at this workshop is a strong reflection of the importance that Commonwealth small jurisdictions place on strengthening parliamentary democracy and institutional resilience. The theme of the workshop speaks directly to the realities we face in small legislatures, where our responsibilities are significant even when our resources are limited.”

Speeches were also given by the Vice-President of Republic of The Maldives, H.E Hussain Mohamed Latheef; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Nazim, MP, who is also both a CPA Asia Regional Representative on the CPA Executive Committee and the CPA Small Branches Steering Committee Member for the Asia Region.

The Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches network, Hon. Valerie Woods (Belize), opened the workshop saying:

“On behalf of the CPA Small Branches network, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all. The ideas, collaboration and leadership we bring together here have the power to shape strong, resilient Parliaments across the Commonwealth. The CPA Small Branches aims to empower small Parliaments to overcome national and global challenges through cooperation, advocacy and the strengthening of parliamentary democracy and good governance.”

Delegates attended from some of the smallest Legislatures across the Commonwealth, including Samoa, Saint Lucia, The Maldives, Cayman Islands, Australian Capital Territory, Isle of Man, Seychelles and Tasmania.

Experts and resource people from across the Commonwealth came from Belize, Sri Lanka, Australia (Victoria and Western Australia) as well as the Rule of Law Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Nexus PFM Consulting Inc. and the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation.

To read the news story about the CPA Small Branches Workshop please click here.

Above: Commonwealth Parliamentarians with The Maldives Vice-President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker at the opening of the CPA Small Branches Workshop. Image credit: Parliament of Maldives.

To find out more about the CPA Small Branches network please click here.

Australian Parliament set to host its first National Youth Parliament

The Parliament of Australia is set to host it’s first Youth Parliament in August 2026 with 150 participants from all across Australia. The fully funded programme is due to be hosted by the Australian Parliament’s Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia, a nationally recognised leader in youth civic engagement.

The 150 Youth Members will represent every federal electorate across Australia and were selected from almost 2,200 applicants nationwide. The National Youth Parliament will take place at Australia’s Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) in Canberra from 16 to 20 August 2026. Youth participants will take part in simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with parliamentary leaders and learn about how Parliament works and the process by which Bills are drafted, debated and passed into law.

The Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, MP, said:

“The establishment and delivery of an Australian National Youth Parliament programme has been a major priority for me as Speaker. The future of Australia’s great democracy is in the hands of our young Australians, and this is one way they will be able to shape it for future generations. The National Youth Parliament will give them real opportunities to learn how our system works and engage with our country’s great democracy.”

The Y has been running Youth Parliament programmes for over four decades. CEO of Y Australia, Alexandra Ash, said

“The Y prides itself on being a leading platform for youth leadership, civic participation and youth-led change, while also giving young people a genuinely meaningful experience that helps them grow in confidence, capability and voice.”

Visit the Australian National Youth Parliament website to find out more.

Above: The Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives, Hon. Milton Dick, MP joins young people and youth organisations to launch the first Australian National Youth Parliament campaign. Image credit: AUSPIC.

British Virgin Islands hosts Overseas Territories Attorneys-General Conference

From 13 to 17 April 2026, the British Virgin Islands hosted Attorneys-General and Senior Legal Advisors from across the British Overseas Territories, the Crown Dependencies and the United Kingdom for the annual Overseas Territories Attorneys-General Conference. The Conference was hosted by the Attorney-General of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Dawn J. Smith.

The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Stronger Together: Common Challenges, Collaborative Solutions.’ The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, addressed delegates at the opening ceremony. He said:

“This year’s theme – Stronger Together: Common Challenges, Collaborative Solutions – captures the spirit of what brings us here. When we collaborate, we elevate the quality of our legal systems. When we share best practices, we strengthen our collective resilience.”

Above: The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley, addressed delegates at the annual Overseas Territories Attorneys-General Conference. Image credit: BVI Government.

Canadian Senate displays new model of CPA Patron, Queen Elizabeth II

The Senate of Canada in Ottawa has displayed a bronze maquette by renowned Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy, which depicts the former Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Queen Elizabeth II seated on the monarch’s throne in the Senate Chamber in Centre Block.

The maquette was recently donated to the Senate by Senator Peter Harder in memory of his late wife and in honour of King Charles III’s historic opening of Parliament in May 2025.

The small sculpture was welcomed into the Senate Artwork and Heritage Collection by Senator Andrew Cardozo, Chair of the Artwork and Heritage Advisory Working Group and a Member of the CPA Canada Federal Branch Executive Committee.

The Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Hon. Raymonde Gagné, CM, OM said:

“I would like to sincerely thank Senator Peter Harder, PC, for donating this sculpture by the talented Ruth Abernethy. This gift enriches our heritage collection while highlighting the deep connection between the Crown and the Senate of Canada.”

Above: The Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Hon. Raymonde Gagné and Senator Andrew Cardozo are pictured with Senator Peter Harder and the bronze maquette of Queen Elizabeth II donated to the Parliament of Canada. Images credit: Senate of Canada.

CPA Africa Regional Secretariat meet with Malawi Parliament delegation

The Regional Secretariat of the CPA Africa Region, led by Assistant Regional Secretary, Mr Daniel Eliufoo, held discussions with Members of the Parliament of Malawi (CPA Malawi Branch) under the leadership of Hon. Ilyas AbdulKarim, MP. The meeting took place on 28 April 2026 at the CPA Africa Regional Headquarters in Dodoma, Tanzania.

The CPA Malawi Branch delegation also met with the CPA Africa Regional Secretary, Baraka Leonard, who is the Clerk of the Parliament of Tanzania.

The visit formed part of a broader effort by the Malawian delegation to engage with the Parliament of Tanzania, with the aim of understanding the Secretariat’s operations and gaining practical insights into the planning and organisation of major events, particularly the CPA Africa Regional Conference and Annual General Meetings for which Malawi is the next host in August 2026.

Above: The Malawi parliamentary delegation meet with the CPA Africa Regional Secretariat in Tanzania. Image credit: CPA Africa Region.

Goa hosts the first CPA India Zone VII Conference

The CPA India Regional Chairperson and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha at the Parliament of India, Hon. Shri Om Birla inaugurated the first Conference of Zone VII of CPA India Region at Panaji, Goa on 9 April 2026. The Conference brought together senior parliamentary leaders from across western India for discussions on key governance and development priorities.

The two-day Conference was held on two main themes:

1. ‘The Role of Young Legislators in Achieving the Goal of a Developed India by 2047’.
2. ‘Priorities of Zone VII in Trade, Tourism, Urbanization, Environment and Coastal Connectivity’.

The Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Hon. Dr Ganesh Gaonkar welcomed delegates and the Minister of Legislative Affairs in Goa, Hon. Shri Mauvin Godinho delivered the Vote of Thanks.

Conference delegates heard speeches from the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) at the Parliament of India, Shri Harivansh; the Chief Minister of Goa, Hon. Dr Pramod Sawant; the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Hon. Professor Ram Shinde; the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Hon. Adv. Rahul Narvekar; and the Speaker of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Hon. Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary.

The CPA India Region Zone-VII comprises the Legislatures of Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This was the first Conference of Zone-VII following the restructuring of the CPA India Region into nine Zones in 2024. In addition, the Presiding Officers of the Legislatures of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Telangana as well - the Union Minister from Goa, Members of Parliament from Goa and legislators from the three member States also attended the Conference.

The final session was addressed by the Governor of Goa, Hon. Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju. The Conference aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, promote exchange of best practices and deliberate on key development priorities of the region.

Above: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha at the Parliament of India, Hon. Shri Om Birla and the Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Hon. Dr Ganesh Gaonkar at the opening of the CPA India Region Conference of Zone VII.

Australian and Pacific Parliaments examine role of Public Accounts Committee at biennial conference in Tasmania

From 20 to 21 April 2026, the 18th Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committees (ACPAC) Biennial Conference took place in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia hosted by the Hon. Ruth Forrest, MLC, Chair of the Tasmanian Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. Representatives from all Australian States and Territories, New Zealand, and several Pacific Island nations attended the conference with a total of 72 delegates. This was a big undertaking for a small jurisdiction, and the incredible work of Committee Secretary Simon Scott was noted along with support from other Parliamentary staff to make this event the success it was.

Tasmania MP, Hon. Ruth Forrest, MLC said:

“It was a fantastic conference of presentations, discussion and networking at the Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committees Conference. It was great to have so many Members from across Australia and the Pacific, their staff and Auditors General around Australia and the Pacific. There is nothing quite like being in the room together to share ideas, knowledge, experience and to discuss the future.”

During the programme, the Tasmanian Auditor‑General, Hon. Martin Thompson, also hosted a series of meetings with Auditors‑General from different jurisdictions before delivering an address to delegates reflecting on 200 years of public sector audit in Tasmania.

Delegates examined the role of Public Accounts Committees and the relationship with their respective Audit Offices and Auditors General. The importance of scrutiny of risk and the development of independent auditing and public expenditure scrutiny by Legislatures was explored as well as their role in supporting integrity, accountability and public trust in the Executive.

Above: Delegates from Australian and Pacific Parliaments at the 18th Australasian Council of Public Accounts Committees (ACPAC) Biennial Conference in Hobart, Tasmania. Image credit: Parliament of Tasmania.

Australian Parliaments light up in tribute to late Queen

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 21 April 2026, Parliament buildings in Australia were illuminated in purple in tribute.

Australian Parliaments joined many other national cultural institutions in marking the anniversary throughout the Commonwealth.

The late Queen Elizabeth II was the Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and visited almost every Parliament in the Commonwealth during her long reign.

Above: Australian Parliaments are illuminated in purple to mark the centenary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II - including Parliament of South Australia in Adelaide (top left); the Federal Parliament of Australia in Canberra (top right); the Parliament of New South Wales in Sydney (bottom left); and the Parliament of Western Australia in Perth (bottom right). Image credits to each Parliament.

UK Parliament pays tribute to the late Queen’s centenary

A memorial angel sculpture in bronze has been unveiled to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. Eleanor Crook’s sculpture forms part of a new collection of works by six artists to commemorate the Lying-in-State of Queen Elizabeth II which took place in Westminster Hall in the UK Parliament in September 2022. Crook designed a protective angel in the classical style, the sculptural details reflecting the significance of the Lying-in-State. Inspired by the angels on the hammer beam roof of Westminster Hall, angels adorn the sides of the robes.

Eleanor Crook, Lying-in-State artist said:

“It was a great honour to be involved with the Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art (House of Commons) and the Lord Speaker’s Advisory Panel (House of Lords) in the marking of this occasion and to know that the artworks reflecting the collective experience will live on in the public’s Parliamentary Art Collection for generations to come.”

The six artists’ works will be featured in a landmark exhibition in Westminster Hall, opening to the public on 13 July 2026.

Commonwealth organisations join plans for CHOGM 2026

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Stephen Twigg joined Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (AOs) for a hybrid CHOGM 2026 meeting at Marlborough House in London.

The Commonwealth Secretariat and the High Commission for Antigua and Barbuda in the UK provided updates on the planning for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will take place in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026. Discussions covered plans and opportunities to collaborate on official side events on sport, democracy, health and the blue economy as well as the four forums that will take place - Commonwealth Business Forum, Commonwealth People’s Forum, Commonwealth Women’s Forum and Commonwealth Youth Forum.

Learn more at about CHOGM 2026.

Above: Commonwealth Accredited Organisations (AOs) following their hybrid CHOGM 2026 meeting at Marlborough House in London. Image credit: Commonwealth Secretariat.

Commonwealth Secretary-General addresses 5th Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit 2026

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, addressed delegates at the 2026 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit at Mansion House in London on 20 April 2026. She highlighted the Commonwealth advantage on trade and said:

“I commit to placing trade and investment at the heart of the Commonwealth’s renewal. Growth appears as elusive as ever for our member countries, putting at risk the quality of life, social mobility and social protection of our 2.7 billion people. In this environment, the case for a new Commonwealth grows ever stronger. Building economies that are more connected, more inclusive and more investable.

Positioning the Commonwealth at the centre of the global economy of the future. Critical minerals, clean energy, digital services, sustainable supply chains – all of these have huge potential across Commonwealth nations. And the resources, talent, and potential of our people are essential in the global economy.”

The fifth edition of the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) convened Government officials, Ministers and senior business leaders from across the Commonwealth for two days of discussion under the theme of ‘Commonwealth Solutions to Global Challenges’. With a population of 2.7 billion and some of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets, the Commonwealth’s scale and diversity create significant opportunities for innovation, investment and economic partnership.

Keynote speakers included the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta, Hon. Dr Ian Borg, MP; the Lady Mayor of the City of London, Rt Hon. Dame Susan Langley DBE; and Lord Marland, Chair of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

Above: Panellists at the 2026 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit at Mansion House in London on 20 April 2026. Image credit: Commonwealth Secretariat.

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