A delegation from the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly took part in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) held in Barbados, joining parliamentary representatives from across the world to deliberate on the theme “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner.” The week-long conference, one of the most prestigious international gatherings of legislators, brought together parliamentarians, presiding officers, and parliamentary officials from the Commonwealth’s 180 national, state, and territorial legislatures. The discussions focused on strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency, and building global partnerships to tackle emerging challenges in governance. The Opening Ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including H.E. D.S. Mason, President of Barbados; Ms. M.S. Motley, Prime Minister of Barbados; and Shri Stephen Twigg, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). Their addresses highlighted the growing importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in addressing issues such as climate change, gender equality, and digital governance.
Representing India, the national parliamentary delegation was led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, who emphasized India’s commitment to democratic cooperation and people-centric policymaking within the Commonwealth framework.The Arunachal Pradesh delegation was led by Hon’ble Speaker Shri Tesam Pongte, accompanied by Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Shri Kardo Nyigyor, HMLA Shri Mutchu Mithi, and HMLA Smti Chakat Aboh. The team was supported by Smti Tadar Meena, Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, and Smti Kheto Lowang, Under Secretary, who provided procedural and administrative support during the conference. The CPC agenda featured several key events, including the CPA General Assembly, General Debate, Executive Committee meetings, and a series of thematic workshops. Additionally, the conference hosted the 41st CPA Small Branches Conference and the 9th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference, both focusing on enhancing representation, inclusivity, and leadership among smaller and developing member states.
Throughout the sessions, delegates discussed strategies to reinforce democratic governance, promote gender equality in politics, strengthen the capacity of small parliaments, and enhance parliamentary oversight mechanisms. The participation of the Arunachal Pradesh delegation underscored India’s active engagement in international parliamentary dialogue and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to fostering democratic values and collaborative governance.Observers noted that the conference provided an opportunity for the Arunachal delegation to exchange ideas and best practices with legislators from across continents — a move expected to enrich policy discourse within the state assembly. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, organized annually by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, serves as a vital platform for lawmakers to deliberate on shared challenges and explore joint solutions to issues affecting member nations.
