The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) concluded in New Delhi today with a strong and collective commitment to further strengthen democratic institutions and make them more people-centric.
The three-day Conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and concluded with the valedictory address by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
During the valedictory session, Birla formally handed over the Chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to the Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and conveyed his best wishes for the successful hosting of the next Conference in London.
Addressing the gathering, the Lok Sabha Speaker underlined that democratic institutions can remain strong, relevant and resilient only when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to the people.
He observed that transparency builds public trust through openness in decision-making, while inclusivity ensures that every voice, particularly those from the margins, finds representation and respect in the democratic process.
Together, these values reinforce the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring relationship between the State and its citizens.
Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC 56 years ago, Birla said the Conference was conceived as a platform for continuous dialogue among Commonwealth legislatures and for identifying innovative ways to enhance parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He noted that the 28th CSPOC carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour. Highlighting the historic participation of the largest number of countries in the Conference’s history, he said the unprecedented and inclusive representation would ensure that the New Delhi CSPOC is remembered as a milestone in Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation.
Reflecting on the substantive deliberations, Birla said discussions on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments, the impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and the health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff were particularly insightful.
These exchanges, he noted, provided Presiding Officers with valuable perspectives on their evolving roles at a time when democratic traditions intersect with rapid technological change. He emphasised that technology, inclusion and global partnerships would play a defining role in shaping the new world order.
The Speaker expressed confidence that bilateral meetings and informal interactions during the Conference further strengthened bonds of friendship, understanding and cooperation among member countries. He conveyed deep appreciation for the enthusiasm, active participation and constructive spirit of all delegations, which made the Conference both meaningful and memorable. The discussions, he said, reaffirmed the enduring relevance of CSPOC as a unique forum for collective reflection on making Parliaments more accountable, effective and citizen-focused.
Birla conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the Conference at the historic Constitution House and for his inspiring address highlighting India’s rich democratic heritage and its unwavering commitment to the global community. He also acknowledged the valuable presence and contributions of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, whose participation enriched the deliberations.
The Lok Sabha Speaker further thanked the Vice-President of India for interacting with the Presiding Officers attending the Conference. He extended best wishes to the Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle for the success of the 29th CSPOC and conveyed good wishes to the host Presiding Officers of forthcoming Standing Committee meetings.
Earlier in the day, chairing a Special Plenary Session of CSPOC 2026, Birla observed that modern democracies face unprecedented opportunities alongside complex, multi-dimensional challenges. He emphasised that the foremost duty of Presiding Officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining firmly anchored in constitutional values.
He stated that the true relevance of Parliaments lies in their ability to respond effectively to citizens’ expectations and aspirations, ensuring that debates and deliberations translate into meaningful solutions to public concerns. Enhanced and substantive discussion, he noted, contributes directly to greater transparency, accountability and public trust in legislatures.
Birla remarked that both consensus and dissent are strengths of democracy and must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety. He described the role of the Presiding Officer as crucial in safeguarding the dignity of the House, ensuring impartiality and reinforcing institutional credibility.
Stressing that Parliaments belong to the people, he said they must provide space for voices from all sections of society, including the most marginalised. Ensuring wider participation of Members, balanced use of House time and fair opportunities for all sides, he added, are essential responsibilities of the Chair.
Drawing attention to rising public expectations in the era of digital transformation, Birla noted that initiatives such as e-Parliament, paperless functioning and digital databases have significantly enhanced transparency, efficiency and responsiveness. He emphasised that the responsible use of technology, including for linguistic inclusion, is a key enabler of more citizen-centric Parliaments.
Highlighting the importance of Parliamentary Standing Committees, often described as “mini Parliaments,” Birla said their scrutiny of the Budget and legislative proposals sets high standards of parliamentary oversight. He urged Presiding Officers to constitute and strengthen these Committees further to improve the effectiveness of legislatures. He also stressed the need for close supervision of the legislative drafting process, noting that parliamentary laws have far-reaching implications for citizens’ lives, and called upon elected representatives to raise public issues in a disciplined, constructive and responsible manner.(KINS)
