68th Commonwealth Parliamentary 2025

The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC 2025) is currently being held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5 to 12 October 2025. The conference is a significant parliamentary summit that brings together lawmakers, presiding officers, and secretaries from Commonwealth nations' parliaments to discuss governance, democracy, and technological advancements in legislative processes.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this event is crucial as it highlights India’s active role in international parliamentary affairs.

Theme of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is organized annually by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The CPC 2025 focuses on the theme: “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner.” This theme emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.

Discussions at the legislative conference revolve around enhancing democratic institutions, promoting digital inclusion, and sharing best practices across Commonwealth nations' parliaments.

Composition of the Indian Delegation at CPC 2025

India’s representation at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados is led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla. The delegation represents both Houses of Parliament and several state and union territory legislatures.

Key members include:

• Shri Om Birla – Speaker, Lok Sabha (Leader of Delegation)

• Shri Harivansh – Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha

• Shri Anurag Sharma – MP, Lok Sabha & CPA Executive Committee Member

• Dr. D. Purandeswari – MP, Lok Sabha & CWP Steering Committee Member

• Dr. K. Sudhakar – MP, Lok Sabha

• Smt. Rekha Sharma – MP, Rajya Sabha

• Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade – MP, Rajya Sabha

• Shri Utpal Kumar Singh – Secretary-General, Lok Sabha

• Shri P. C. Mody – Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha

Additionally, 36 Presiding Officers and 16 Secretaries from 24 State and UT Legislatures are participating, reflecting India’s federal parliamentary system and its active role in international legislative cooperation.

Key Agendas and Participation

1. Lok Sabha Speaker’s Address

• At the Commonwealth parliamentary leaders meeting, Shri Om Birla will address the General Assembly on the theme “The Commonwealth—A Global Partner.”

• He will highlight India’s commitment to multilateralism, democratic cooperation, and equitable growth within the Commonwealth framework. This is one of the key sessions of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

2. Workshop on Digital Democracy

A major focus of CPC 2025 is strengthening democracy and digital inclusion at CPC 2025. The Speaker will chair a workshop titled “Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide.”

The workshop will cover:

• Use of digital tools for citizen engagement

• Enhancing legislative transparency

• Strategies to bridge digital inequalities among Commonwealth nations

3. Executive Committee Meetings

• Shri Anurag Sharma, MP (Lok Sabha), will attend as Treasurer of CPA.

• Shri Bishwajit Daimary, Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, will join as a regional representative from the Indian region.

• These meetings are critical for shaping policies at the Parliamentary Governance Summit 2025.

4. Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP)

• Dr. D. Purandeswari, MP (Lok Sabha), represents India in the CWP Steering Committee and will participate in discussions on good practices and strategies for realizing gender-sensitive parliaments across the Commonwealth.

• This highlights India’s focus on empowering women legislators and ensuring inclusive participation in policymaking during the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.

5. Role of State and UT Legislatures

Presiding Officers and Secretaries from Indian legislatures will attend workshops and sessions at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, covering topics such as:

• Strengthening parliamentary accountability

• Youth engagement in legislative processes

• Climate-resilient policymaking in Commonwealth democracies

Bilateral and Diplomatic Engagements

During the conference, Shri Om Birla will hold bilateral meetings with speakers and presiding officers from other Commonwealth countries to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, exchange best legislative practices, and explore capacity-building partnerships.

He will also interact with the leadership of Barbados and members of the Indian diaspora, reaffirming India’s cultural and diplomatic ties with Caribbean nations.

Significance for India

India’s participation in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference theme and agenda is significant for several reasons:

• Showcasing parliamentary reforms such as e-Parliament, NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application), and live digital access to proceedings

• Strengthening South-South cooperation within the Commonwealth

• Enhancing India’s leadership in shaping democratic norms and inclusive policy discourse

• Advocating for gender-sensitive parliaments and digital inclusivity

Quick Facts for SSC Aspirants

• Conference: 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC)

• Host Country: Barbados

• Venue: Bridgetown

• Dates: 5 – 12 October 2025

• Organiser: Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

• Theme: “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner”

• Indian Delegation Head: Shri Om Birla, Speaker, Lok Sabha

Final Thoughts

The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5 to 12 October 2025, bringing together lawmakers, presiding officers, and secretaries from Commonwealth nations' parliaments. 

Led by Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, the Indian delegation at CPC 2025 includes members from both Houses of Parliament and several State and Union Territory Legislatures. The conference focuses on the theme “The Commonwealth – A Global Partner”, emphasizing democracy, sustainable development, and digital inclusion.

Key sessions include workshops on digital democracy, discussions on gender-sensitive parliaments, and meetings to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation. India’s participation highlights its efforts in parliamentary reforms like e-Parliament and NeVA, showcasing leadership in governance and technology adoption. Presiding officers and secretaries from Indian legislatures will also contribute to sessions on youth engagement, climate-resilient policymaking, and parliamentary accountability.