Lok Sabha Speaker to Lead India at 68th CPC in Barbados

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead the Indian Parliamentary Delegation to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), set to take place in Bridgetown, Barbados from October 5 to 12, 2025. The CPC, organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), is a key global forum that brings together lawmakers from across the 180 CPA branches to discuss issues of democracy, governance, and cooperation.

Indian Delegation and Preparations

High-Level Representation

The Indian delegation will include,

• Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh
• Presiding Officers and Secretaries from State and Union Territory Legislatures
• CPA India Region representatives
• Before departure, Speaker Birla chaired an inter-ministerial briefing at Parliament House, where officials from various ministries informed the delegation about the agenda, thematic sessions, and India’s role at the conference.

Conference Theme and India’s Participation

Global Dialogue on Governance

The theme for the 68th CPC is “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner.” Speaker Om Birla is scheduled to address the General Assembly, emphasizing India’s democratic ethos and its leadership in parliamentary engagement.

Thematic Workshops

Indian delegates will actively participate in seven workshops focused on,

• Strengthening democratic institutions
• Leveraging technology in governance
• Climate change and public health
• Financial transparency
• Separation of powers
• Multilateralism and global cooperation

These sessions offer a platform for sharing India’s experiences and learning from international best practices in parliamentary functioning.

Youth Roundtable: Empowering Future Leaders

Focus on Youth Safety and Empowerment

A special Youth Roundtable will also be held, focusing on empowering the younger generation to confront modern societal challenges, including,

• Gang violence
• Cyber-bullying
• Digital safety and mental health

This session underscores the CPA’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and intergenerational engagement, aligning with India’s focus on youth empowerment and education under schemes like Yuva Shakti Mission and Digital India.

About the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC)

A Legacy of Parliamentary Exchange

The CPC is one of the largest annual gatherings of parliamentarians, providing a forum for lawmakers from across the Commonwealth to,

• Exchange legislative innovations
• Strengthen democratic norms
• Promote collaborative governance models

The CPA, established in 1911, plays a pivotal role in advancing parliamentary democracy and enhancing legislative capacities across member countries.