NewKerala.com

India Hosts Record 60 Speakers at Landmark Commonwealth Parliamentary Summit

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the House that India successfully hosted the 28th Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers after a 16-year gap. The event saw record participation, with 60 Speakers and about 200 delegates from across the Commonwealth gathering in New Delhi. Key discussions centered on strengthening democratic institutions, the use of AI in parliaments, and the impact of social media on lawmakers. The conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded with a cultural visit for delegates to Jaipur.

Key Points: India Successfully Hosts 28th Commonwealth Speakers Conference

  • Record 60 Speakers from 53 nations
  • Focus on AI & social media's role in parliaments
  • Bilateral talks with 40 countries
  • Post-conference cultural visit to Jaipur
2 min read

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

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announces the grand success of the 2026 CSPOC, with record participation from 53 Commonwealth nations.

"The conference was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on January 15, 2026, in the Central Hall of the historic Samvidhan Sadan. - Om Birla"

New Delhi, January 29

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday informed the House about the successful conduct of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth 2026, describing it as a grand success.

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

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's great to see India leading conversations on strengthening democratic institutions. The visit to Jaipur would have been a wonderful cultural showcase. However, I hope the discussions on MP safety and well-being translate into concrete actions for our own parliamentarians who face immense pressure.
R
Rohit P
Record participation from 60 Speakers! That's no small feat. Organising an event of this scale smoothly is a testament to our capabilities. The bilateral talks with 40 countries are the real win – building those relationships is key for India's foreign policy.
S
Sarah B
As an observer of Indian politics, this is impressive. Discussing the impact of social media on Parliamentarians is so relevant globally. The fact that it was held in the Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament) adds such historical weight to the proceedings.
V
Vikram M
While celebrating the success is good, I hope our Speakers also internalised the discussions on enhancing public understanding of Parliament. Our own citizens often feel disconnected from parliamentary proceedings. Let's implement those innovative strategies here at home first.
K
Kavya N
Wonderful news! Showcasing our rich democracy and the new parliament building complex to the world. Jaipur is the perfect choice for a cultural visit – it never fails to impress international guests. More such conferences please!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50