Overview
- The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth runs January 14–16 at Samvidhan Sadan, drawing a record 61 presiding officers from 42 countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the meeting and framed India’s model as last‑mile, people‑centric governance, asserting that 25 crore people have exited poverty in recent years.
- Delegates are engaging in workshops on AI in parliamentary work, the effects of social media on legislators, citizen participation beyond voting, and the security and well‑being of MPs and staff.
- Modi emphasized India’s advocacy for the Global South and said New Delhi is building open‑source digital platforms so partner countries can adopt systems piloted in India.
- The venue’s Central Hall underscores constitutional symbolism, and the gathering includes Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, IPU President Dr Tulia Ackson and CPA Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila.