Commonwealth Parliamentarians Come Together To Reflect On Global Challenges & Changing Political Landscape

Delegates from all regions of the Commonwealth will come together online to take part in the three-day knowledge-sharing programme, exploring various aspects of parliamentary democracy.

The theme of the Seminar will be ‘Preparing Parliamentarians for a Changing World’, taking into account what is occurring across the globe in 2020. A global pandemic as well as continued protests for democracy, equality and security have strengthened the case for parliamentarians to be prepared for change and unpredictability.

From 23-25 November, representatives  from  Canada,  Rwanda,  Jamaica,  Maldives  and  Gibraltar  will  be  amongst the participants, with over 30 Commonwealth legislatures expected to attend.

Alongside contributions from current and former UK legislators and clerks, parliamentarians from The Gambia, Mauritius and Pakistan will give their insight into the role of an elected representative in the Commonwealth.

The Seminar will unpack important and timely topics such as increasing geopolitical pressures placed on lawmakers; how parliaments can remain effective in a virtual world; and issues of national and international security. There will also be opportunities for practical exercises, including a virtual committee hearing on Covid-19 and the response of governments .

Jon Davies, Chief Executive of CPA UK, commented:

“I’m delighted that we’re able to run this important annual event, despite the pandemic, by responding flexibly, as so many Commonwealth parliaments have had to do. One advantage of the virtual format is we are able to welcome twice as many delegates as usual. We really look forward to them all learning from each other – that’s the crucial element of what we do. ”

The Rt Hon. Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley, who will lead a session on the final day of the programme, stated:

“It’s been an extraordinary and challenging year for parliaments throughout the Commonwealth. The Westminster Seminar is a welcome opportunity to come together with parliamentary colleagues globally and reflect on how we can continue to be effective in our roles as representatives, lawmakers and scrutinisers.”

Notes to editors:

• CPA UK supports and strengthens parliamentary democracy throughout the Commonwealth. It focuses on key themes including women in parliament, modern slavery, financial oversight, security and trade. Peer to peer learning is central to the way CPA UK works bringing together UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and officials to share knowledge and learn from each other. For more information go to www.uk-cpa.org
• The Westminster Seminar on Effective Parliaments is CPA UK’s flagship capacity building programme, designed for first term and early career parliamentarians and clerks. It is held every year in November over the course of a week, and focuses on peer-to-peer learning between participants. The Seminar provides a unique platform for participants from across the Commonwealth to network and engage with counterparts, exploring approaches to parliamentary democracy, practice and procedure in the context of the Westminster System and drawing comparisons between Commonwealth legislatures.
• See full list of participating legislatures attached.
• For more information or enquiries contact Mark Scott, CPA UK Communications Manager at scottm@parliament.uk.