EDITOR’S NOTE
A COLLABORATIVE COMMONWEALTH: UNITY, DIVERSITY AND COMMON CHALLENGES The Editor’s Note Secretariat with capturing the reports that feature Commonwealth Parliamentarians focus on in this publication. what unites them to find global solutions at The Chairperson of the CPA International 62nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Shirin Sharmin Over 400 Commonwealth Parliamentarians Chaudhury, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of from across the world gathered in London, United Bangladesh, urged Commonwealth Parliamentarians Kingdom from 11 to 17 December 2016 for the to work together to find common solutions to 62nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference global issues as she opened the 62nd CPC. The (62nd CPC), hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters Chairperson welcomed Parliamentarians from across Secretariat. the Commonwealth on behalf of the CPA at the The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference opening ceremony and said: “The Commonwealth Jeffrey Hyland, Editor is the annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) provides a unique The Parliamentarian, Parliamentary Association (CPA). The unique platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue to take place. Commonwealth conference brought together Speakers, Members The diverse nature of the membership provides the Parliamentary Association of Parliament and Parliamentary staff representing Commonwealth Parliamentary Association with a the nine regions of the CPA – Africa; Asia; unique position within the parliamentary community to Australia; British Islands and Mediterranean; Canada; Caribbean, offer a comprehensive perspective on how to strengthen parliamentary Americas and the Atlantic; India; Pacific and South-East Asia. democracy Commonwealth-wide and discuss new and innovative The CPA reaches all 52 countries of the Commonwealth as well approaches on how to do so.” To read the full text of the CPA as national, sub-national, devolved and territorial Parliaments and Chairperson’s opening speech at the 62nd CPC please turn to page 6. Legislatures bringing together over 180 CPA Branches of the The opening ceremony of the 62nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Conference heard from the Secretaries-General of the The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association organises its annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth. Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) where global political The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary issues and developments in the parliamentary system are analysed Association, Mr Akbar Khan welcomed Commonwealth in conference debates among leading Parliamentarians representing Parliamentarians and delegates to the conference and said: “The Parliaments and Legislatures throughout the Commonwealth. These Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference strengthens our networks plenary conferences were biennial from 1948 to 1959 and annual since and nurtures our shared Commonwealth democratic values. The fact 1961. A summary of the main views expressed in conference debates that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association embodies diversity is published as the Conference Concluding Statement which is sent to yet shares values of democracy, rule of law and human rights, only serves Members, Commonwealth governments and international agencies. The to strengthen and deepen our unity. The need for the CPA to continue following CPA Branches have hosted Commonwealth Parliamentary to strengthen its core programmatic work and to translate the practical Conferences in recent years: 2014 Cameroon; 2013 South Africa; 2012 benefits of democratic governance to the peoples of the Commonwealth Sri Lanka; 2011 United Kingdom; 2010 Kenya; 2009 Tanzania; 2008 has never been greater.” To read the full text of the CPA SecretaryMalaysia; 2007 India. General’s keynote plenary at the 62nd CPC please turn to page 8. The main conference theme for 2016 at the annual event held The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia in London, United Kingdom was: A Collaborative Commonwealth: Scotland QC said: “The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Unity, Diversity and Common Challenges. Workshops and debates is like a beehive. It buzzes with pollinators whose work will result were held during the conference on a wide range of topics including in fruit throughout the Commonwealth. Thanks to Commonwealth the role of the Commonwealth in fostering freedom of religion or Parliamentarians coming together, law reform and progressive social belief; ending violence against women and girls; the Sustainable and economic development are accelerated. Exchanges of knowledge Development Goals (SDGs); Climate Change; and the radicalisation and expertise lead to institutions of governance being strengthened, of young people. Conference reports from all of the main workshops while respect and goodwill within the rich diversity of Commonwealth and sessions appear in this issue of The Parliamentarian and identity helps build a safer, more prosperous and more inclusive future our thanks go to all of the Conference Rapporteurs from across for us all.” To read the full text of the Commonwealth Secretarythe Commonwealth who have assisted the CPA Headquarters General’s speech at the 62nd CPC please turn to page 12. 4 | The Parliamentarian | 2017: Issue One