India’s Transformation in Agriculture, Fintech, AI, and Innovation Highlighted by Lok Sabha Speaker
Efforts to Enhance Parliamentary Effectiveness, Inclusivity, and Transparency Stressed
Parliaments and Parliamentarians Play Key Roles in Addressing Global Challenges like Climate Change and Cybercrime
28th CSPOC in India to Showcase the Country’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Lok Sabha Speaker Highlights India’s Democratic Traditions at CSPOC
Speaker Chairs CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey
Guernsey, 10 January 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla announced that the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments (CSPOC), scheduled for 2026 in India, will focus on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in the functioning of parliaments. He shared these insights while chairing the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey today.
Shri Birla highlighted India’s impressive progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, noting the country’s rise as the fifth-largest economy and the third-largest ecosystem for startups. India is undergoing significant transformations across sectors like agriculture, fintech, AI, and research, he added. He invited the dignitaries to India for the 28th CSPOC, where they will experience the country’s unique blend of heritage and progress.
Emphasizing the vital role of parliaments in democracy, development, and public welfare, Shri Birla stressed the need for parliaments to be more effective, inclusive, and transparent to address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime. He also underscored the importance of fostering good governance and sustainable development through strong parliamentary institutions.
Shri Birla acknowledged the CSPOC as an invaluable platform for member countries to exchange best practices, strengthen cooperation, and collaborate on a more just and equitable future. He expressed his pleasure at India’s selection as the host for the 2026 event, which offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding traditions of inclusivity and harmony. The guiding principle of India’s philosophy, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the whole world is one family” — was also highlighted as a model for global cooperation.
Reiterating the importance of parliaments in addressing poverty, inequality, and malnutrition while promoting sustainable development, Shri Birla emphasized the role of parliamentarians in shaping policies and guiding governments towards a more equitable future. The meeting also discussed the final agenda for the upcoming CSPOC in India, as well as global parliamentary issues.
Reflecting on India’s history of hosting CSPOC events in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, Shri Birla invited all Commonwealth presiding officers to attend the 2026 conference in New Delhi. He concluded by expressing gratitude to His Excellency Sir Richard McMahon, the presiding officer of Guernsey, for his leadership and hospitality. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Commonwealth parliaments to tackle contemporary challenges and uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.
