The 66th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), a prominent gathering of parliamentarians within the Commonwealth, is now underway in Accra.
More than 500 lawmakers, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from various corners of the Commonwealth have convened for this pivotal event.
The conference, held under the theme “The Commonwealth Charter 10 years on: Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,” serves as a platform for delegates to reflect on the past decade's progress and challenges in upholding the Commonwealth's fundamental principles and values.
CPA, a global network comprising nearly 180 Commonwealth parliaments and legislatures, stands dedicated to fostering stronger commitments to democratic governance's highest standards. This annual gathering plays a vital role in furthering this mission.
This year's week-long conference, chaired by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, marks the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter, a document that outlines the organization's core principles and values. The Charter has been instrumental in guiding member states toward democratic ideals and good governance.
Aside from the main conference, several additional conferences and meetings are scheduled, including the 39th CPA Small Branches Conference, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) meetings, and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks. Also, the 57th Society of Clerks at the Table (SoCATT) Meeting, the Presentation of the 2023 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year awards, and the inaugural Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Lecture are set to take place during the event.
Jeff Hyland, Editor and Communications Manager at the CPA Secretariat, emphasized that the conference provides a valuable opportunity for participants to engage in plenary sessions and seminars covering topics of Pan-Commonwealth interest.
Notably, the CPA UK delegation has announced plans to hold in-country talks focusing on the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Ghana, a testament to the conference's role in fostering international cooperation and diplomacy.
The Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is a significant event that takes place every year to address global political issues and developments within parliamentary systems across the Commonwealth.
By Iddi Yire: Editing by Adewale Adejoke