New and emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionise our lives. They can help us to make better decisions, improve productivity, and even save lives. Many of these technologies can also be used to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more substantive, creative and innovative work.

However, such rapid changes also pose significant risks to our democracies, decision-making and public discourse, especially when it comes to AI-generated disinformation and synthetic media.

Parliaments have a unique role to play in addressing emerging technology, both as institutions that can benefit from the efficiencies and capacity that new technologies can provide, and as legislators who are responsible for setting the legal and policy framework for the same technologies.

The CPA Secretariat will ensure we have a sustained focus on technology and innovation. We will employ innovative techniques and create more virtual opportunities to share best practice across our programmes, governance and support to members.

In undertaking these efforts, we will acknowledge and address the digital divide within our membership and the wider Commonwealth through additional support and technical assistance programmes where appropriate. We will also look to increase awareness, training and resources available for CPA members and staff to develop their IT knowledge and capacity, to ensure we can all be agile and flexible in an ever-evolving technological landscape.