The three-day 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) concluded on Friday evening with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions more people-centric.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over the chairmanship of 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and wished him best for the success of the next CSPOC in London.
In his valedictory address, Birla noted that democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people.
He observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice—especially those on the margins — is heard and respected in the democratic process. Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State, he opined.
Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC, 56 years ago, the Speaker said that 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 vigour and substance. The unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC’s history was highlighted by the Speaker as a defining feature of this Conference. This wide and inclusive representation, he said, would ensure that the New Delhi Conference is remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation.
Reflecting on the substantive sessions of the Conference, he noted that discussions on 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. These deliberations, he said, helped Presiding Officers gain greater clarity about their evolving roles and responsibilities at a critical juncture where democratic traditions intersect with rapid technological change.
He highlighted that technology, inclusion and global partnerships would shape the new world order. He expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings and informal interactions held during the Conference had further strengthened bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries.