India successfully hosted the 28th Commonwealth Parliamentary Speakers’ and Presiding Officers’ Conference (CSPOC) in New Delhi, a landmark international parliamentary gathering attended by Presiding Officers from over 50 nations.
The three-day conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Thursday, concluded today with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric. It ended with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla delivering the valedictory address.
The prestigious conference was held at the historic venue of the Parliament of India, with the Old Central Hall, KLD Lok Sabha and the Princess Hall being used as key venues, along with multipurpose halls within the premises.
During the valedictory session, Shri Birla handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and extended best wishes for the success of the next CSPOC in London.
Speaking at the closing, Shri Birla said, “Democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people.” He underlined that transparency strengthens public trust through openness in decision-making, while inclusivity ensures that every voice—especially those on the margins—is respected in the democratic process.
Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC 56 years ago, Shri Birla said the conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigor and substance, and noted that the unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC’s history was a defining feature of the New Delhi conference.
Reflecting on the substantive sessions, Shri 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 thought-provoking. Highlighting the future direction of democratic institutions, he remarked that “Technology, inclusion and global partnerships would shape the new world order.”
Shri Birla expressed confidence that bilateral meetings and informal interactions during the conference further strengthened bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries. He also appreciated the active participation and constructive spirit of all delegations, calling CSPOC a unique platform for making Parliaments more people-centric, accountable and effective.
The Lok Sabha Speaker conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inaugurating the conference at the historic Constitution House and for his inspiring address. He also acknowledged the presence and contributions of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, saying their participation enriched the deliberations.
The conference concluded on what was described as a note of optimism, solidarity and renewed resolve to strengthen parliamentary democracy through dialogue, cooperation and innovation.
The event was meticulously planned and executed by Karmic Events India, led by Gunwant Singh, in association with Mahalakshmi Group, led by Rahul Mehndiratta, with design and communication curated by Decode Design Studio under the lead by Supreet Khokhar.
Whilst Usually Unusual Entertainment, along with the Stage Managers Association India, was roped in and partnered for smoother showrunning and stage management. The event’s on-ground showrunning and execution were seamlessly managed by Usually Unusual Entertainment, ensuring smooth coordination across venues and sessions.
Special Plenary Session: ‘Consensus and dissent are both strengths of democracy.’
Earlier in the day, chairing the Special Plenary Session, Shri Birla observed that modern democracies face unprecedented opportunities as well as complex challenges. He said, “Foremost duty of Presiding Officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining anchored in constitutional values.”
He further added, “Consensus and dissent are both strengths of democracy,” while stressing that both must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety. Emphasising the decisive role of the Presiding Officer, he noted the importance of safeguarding the dignity of the House, ensuring impartiality and strengthening institutional credibility.
In the context of citizen expectations in the age of digital transformation, Shri Birla said initiatives such as e-Parliament, paperless functioning and digital databases have improved transparency, efficiency and responsiveness of legislatures. He also highlighted the need for responsible use of technology to enhance linguistic inclusion and strengthen citizen-centric governance.
Shri Birla underlined the pivotal role of Parliamentary Standing Committees, calling them “mini-Parliaments,” and urged Presiding Officers to constitute and further strengthen these committees to improve parliamentary oversight. He also stressed the importance of supervising legislative drafting, noting that parliamentary laws have far-reaching impact on citizens’ lives, and called on public representatives to raise concerns in a disciplined and constructive manner.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen parliamentary democracy through continued dialogue, cooperation and innovation—setting the stage for an even more impactful 29th CSPOC in London.
