A delegation from the Parliament of Guyana, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, is currently participating in the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Sydney, Australia.
The Guyanese delegation includes Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Sonia Parag, M.P; Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul; Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, A.A.; Parliamentary Executive Assistant, Candayce Girard-Kirton.
The Guyanese delegation at the event
A key highlight of the Guyana delegation’s involvement will be the participation of Speaker Manzoor Nadir in the Small Branches Workshop C, where he will present on “Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions.” Meanwhile, Minister Parag will lead a presentation at Workshop F, which focuses on “Benchmarking, Standards, and Guidelines: Strengthening the Institution of Parliaments through the Adoption of Best Practice.” Both sessions will showcase Guyana’s experiences and innovative approaches to modernising parliamentary practices, with particular attention to small jurisdictions.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Nadir said, “The 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference offers a critical opportunity for us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build partnerships that strengthen democratic institutions and governance worldwide. Guyana’s involvement in this prestigious gathering underscores our commitment to parliamentary excellence and to fostering dialogue on global issues that transcend borders.”
The event, which runs from November 3-8, 2024, is hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales and the CPA New South Wales Branch. The conference is a key global platform for over 700 Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and decision-makers from across the Commonwealth to engage on critical issues facing modern democracies.
The 67th CPC brings together Speakers, Presiding Officers, and Members of Parliament from nearly 180 Commonwealth nations and territories. As the only parliamentary association that unites national, state, provincial, and territorial legislatures, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) provides a unique opportunity for cross-jurisdictional dialogue on strengthening democratic governance, legislative practices, and human rights.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Engage, Empower, sustain: Charting the Course for Resilient Democracy,” reflects the global challenges facing parliaments today. The conference features discussions and workshops on a wide array of pressing issues, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence and technology in parliamentary work, enhancing the security of Members of Parliament (MPs), combatting human trafficking, promoting anti-discrimination legislation, and fostering inclusivity for marginalized groups, including the LGBT+ community and people with disabilities.
The conference also includes several specialized meetings, such as the 40th CPA Small Branches Conference, the 8th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference, and the 58th Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings. Additionally, delegates will participate in meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network and the CPA General Assembly. As part of the proceedings, delegates will elect the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and the CPA Small Branches Chairperson.
The Guyanese delegation’s active participation in the conference reaffirms Guyana’s dedication to advancing parliamentary democracy, enhancing legislative practices, and promoting global co-operation among Commonwealth nations.
