Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference convenes in Cape Town

The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) is currently being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 13 to 19. The gathering brings together over 900 parliamentarians, officials, and experts from across the Commonwealth to discuss strengthening international law and parliamentary democracy within a changing global order.

Key themes of the conference include promoting inclusive trade, addressing inequality and underdevelopment, enhancing accessibility for persons with disabilities, climate adaptation, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in parliaments. Other topics include human rights, peace, and post-legislative scrutiny.

A significant Indian delegation is participating, led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh. Other Indian representatives include Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta, who chaired a workshop on inclusivity measures in capacity-strained parliaments, and Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on connecting parliaments with the people through post-legislative scrutiny.