28th CSPOC Enters Third Day at Parliament House as Commonwealth Delegations Gather in New Delhi
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New Delhi, January 16: The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) entered its third day on Friday at Parliament House, with high-level delegations from across the Commonwealth arriving to participate in key discussions focused on strengthening democratic institutions and modernising parliamentary practices.
The prestigious conference, chaired by Om Birla, has brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, highlighting India’s growing role in global democratic dialogue.
Key Sessions on Parliamentary Innovation and Public Engagement
On the third day, delegates are discussing innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and ways to boost citizen participation beyond voting. The session is being addressed by Manzoor Nadir, Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana.
Another major highlight is the keynote address on “Security, Health and Wellbeing of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff”, delivered by Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada.
CSPOC Chairmanship Handover
The day also marks the formal handover of CSPOC chairmanship, with Om Birla passing the baton to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who will host the 29th CSPOC in the United Kingdom.
PM Narendra Modi Highlights India’s Democratic Strength
Earlier, Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference at the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan. Addressing global delegates, the Prime Minister said India has transformed its vast diversity into a core strength of democracy, proving that democratic institutions can deliver stability, speed, and scale simultaneously.
Om Birla, in his address, called for a collective responsibility among Commonwealth nations to tackle challenges such as misinformation, cybercrime, social division, and the rapid transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Global Leaders Praise India’s Hosting
Several international dignitaries underlined the importance of India hosting the conference. Jamaican High Commissioner to India Jason Keats Matthew Hall said it was fitting for the world’s largest democracy to host such a significant parliamentary gathering. He also stressed the need for a robust regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence to ensure responsible use.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle described the conference as “a family coming together to discuss the democratic world we represent,” while Malawi Parliament Speaker Sameer Gaffar Suleman termed the sessions a valuable learning experience, thanking Indian authorities for the warm hospitality.
Focus on the Future of Democracy
According to an official release, CSPOC 2026 is deliberating on a wide range of contemporary issues, including:
- The evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers
- Technological innovation in parliamentary functioning
- Strengthening citizen engagement in democratic processes
The conference continues to position India as a key global platform for democratic cooperation, parliamentary innovation, and inclusive governance.
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