The conference will be chaired by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. A total of 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers representing 42 Commonwealth countries, along with four semi-autonomous parliaments, will participate in the event.
Delegates are expected from diverse regions including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The wide participation reflects the relevance of the CSPOC platform in fostering dialogue among parliamentary democracies.
The presence of such a large number of senior parliamentary leaders highlights India’s growing role as a hub for international parliamentary engagement.
Key Themes and Deliberations
The 28th CSPOC will deliberate on a broad range of contemporary issues facing legislatures worldwide. A key focus will be the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring orderly, effective parliamentary functioning.
Another major theme will be the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary work. Discussions will explore how emerging technologies can improve legislative efficiency, research support and public access to parliamentary proceedings, while also addressing ethical and security concerns.
The impact of social media on Members of Parliament will also be examined, particularly in the context of public communication, misinformation and the changing nature of political engagement.
Enhancing Citizen Participation
Beyond institutional and technological issues, the conference will also discuss innovative ways to enhance public understanding of Parliament. Delegates will share best practices on improving transparency and making parliamentary processes more accessible to citizens.
A significant area of discussion will be citizen participation beyond voting. Speakers are expected to explore mechanisms such as public consultations, digital engagement platforms and outreach programmes to deepen democratic involvement.
These deliberations are particularly relevant at a time when democracies worldwide are seeking to rebuild public trust in institutions.
India’s Role in Parliamentary Diplomacy
By hosting the CSPOC, India reinforces its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and democratic cooperation within the Commonwealth. The event provides an opportunity for India to showcase its parliamentary traditions and recent reforms.
Prime Minister Modi’s address is expected to highlight India’s democratic journey, the importance of dialogue among legislatures and the need for innovation in parliamentary practices.