28th Commonwealth speakers conference a grand success, says Lok Sabha Speaker

Addressing the House, Birla said, "Honourable Members, I am extremely pleased to inform you that the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) was successfully organised by the Parliament of India from 14 to 16 January 2026. This conference was held in India after a gap of 16 years."

He added that the conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on January 15, 2026, in the Central Hall of the historic Samvidhan Sadan.

Birla said the conference brought together Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 Commonwealth countries and 14 semi-autonomous parliaments. He highlighted that a record 60 Speakers and Presiding Officers, along with approximately 200 delegates, participated in the event.

He further stated, "The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Dr. Christopher Kalila, were invited as 'Special Invitees' to the conference."

Birla said important issues concerning Members of Parliament were discussed during the conference, including the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in strengthening democratic institutions; the use of artificial intelligence in Parliaments; the impact of social media on Parliamentarians; innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliaments and increase public participation; and the safety, health, and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.

He added that during the conference, he held bilateral discussions with Speakers and Presiding Officers from 40 invited countries, who appreciated India's strong and vibrant parliamentary democracy and expressed a desire to maintain strong and friendly cooperation with India.

"In keeping with CSPOC tradition, a visit to Jaipur was organised for the visiting delegations on 17 January 2026 after the conclusion of the conference," Birla said. (ANI)