Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on Thursday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex, officials confirmed. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address the delegates on the occasion.
The high-level international parliamentary gathering, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, will bring together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, alongside representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments. The event underscores India’s role as a hub for parliamentary dialogue and democratic cooperation within the Commonwealth framework.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the conference will focus on a spectrum of contemporary parliamentary issues, emphasizing the responsibilities of Speakers and Presiding Officers in upholding strong democratic institutions. Discussions are expected to cover challenges posed by rapid technological, political, and social changes, alongside strategies to strengthen the functioning of legislatures worldwide.
Key themes of the conference include the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary procedures, the influence of social media on lawmakers, and how digital tools can both enhance and complicate democratic governance. Delegates will also examine ways to increase public understanding of parliamentary processes and promote citizen participation beyond the voting process, reflecting a broader push for inclusive and participatory democracy.
The CSPOC platform will enable Speakers and Presiding Officers to share best practices on legislative procedures, parliamentary ethics, institutional integrity, and governance frameworks, offering an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among Commonwealth nations.
Held periodically, the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference is considered a prestigious forum that aims to reinforce cooperation and dialogue among legislatures across member states. India’s hosting of the 28th edition reflects the country’s growing prominence in global parliamentary engagement and its commitment to democratic principles and parliamentary traditions, according to the PMO.
Delegates will also discuss innovations in public engagement, parliamentary accountability, and mechanisms for ensuring transparency in legislative operations. With the presence of high-ranking officials and policymakers from across the Commonwealth, the conference is expected to provide actionable insights to enhance democratic practices both domestically and internationally.
India’s Parliament has increasingly emphasized using technology to streamline legislative work, and the conference will provide a platform to explore these advancements while addressing ethical, procedural, and governance challenges in the digital age.
The two-day conference is set to further India’s position as a center for parliamentary diplomacy, facilitating dialogue on institutional reforms and legislative innovation among the Commonwealth nations.
