The three-day conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, has brought together 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries. Scheduled from January 14 to 16, the event is being hosted by the Indian Parliament and is being billed as the largest CSPOC to date in terms of participation.
In his keynote address, Modi said India’s democratic model is defined by last-mile delivery. “The hallmark of our democracy is that benefits reach even the most marginalized,” he said, noting that welfare initiatives have enabled 250 million people to move out of poverty. He also cited India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure, calling the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) the world’s largest digital payments system.
The Prime Minister outlined India’s growing economic capacities, describing the country as the world’s largest vaccine producer, the second-largest steel producer, the third-largest startup ecosystem and aviation market, and home to the fourth-largest railway network. He said these gains reflect the strength of democratic institutions and policy continuity.
Modi also recalled India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that medicines and vaccines were supplied to more than 150 countries despite domestic challenges, guided by the principle of “people first, humanity first.”
The conference is being held at Constitution Hall, formerly the Central Hall of Parliament, which Modi described as a symbol of India’s democratic journey. He also emphasized the role of women in governance, noting that women account for nearly half of elected representatives in rural and local bodies, a figure he said is unprecedented globally.
Addressing the gathering, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said CSPOC provides a vital platform for sharing parliamentary experiences and strengthening democratic practices across the Commonwealth. He said discussions would focus on contemporary challenges facing legislatures.
Key sessions will examine the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary work, the impact of social media on legislators, public participation beyond elections, and the safety and working conditions of parliamentarians and staff. A special plenary will explore the role of Speakers in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Officials confirmed that Pakistan is not participating in the conference, while Bangladesh is absent due to the lack of a Speaker ahead of its general elections. The previous CSPOC was held in Uganda in January 2024.
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