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, where global issues, including the need to preserve parliamentary democracy, are being discussed. 

The Guyanese delegation includes the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag; Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs; and Parliamentary Executive Assistant, Candayce Girard-Kirton.

In a press statement, the Parliament Office said the Speaker is expected to make a presentation on “Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Modernising the Westminster System in Small Jurisdictions,” while Minister Parag was scheduled to lead a presentation under the theme “Benchmarking, Standards, and Guidelines: Strengthening the Institution of Parliaments through the Adoption of Best Practice.” 

It said both presentations will showcase Guyana’s experiences and innovative approaches to modernizing parliamentary practices, with particular attention to small jurisdictions.  

Artificial Intelligence and technology, Security, Human Trafficking, Anti-discrimination Legislation, and inclusivity for marginalized groups, including the LGBT+ community and people with disabilities are among other topics up for discussion. 

Speaker Nadir said the 67th  CPC offers a critical opportunity for Parliamentarians to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build partnerships that strengthen democratic institutions and governance worldwide. He said Guyana’s involvement in this prestigious gathering underscores its commitment to parliamentary excellence and to fostering dialogue on global issues that transcend borders.” 

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, the statement noted. P

The 67^th CPC, which runs from November 3-8, is being hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) New South Wales Branch under the theme ‘Engage, Empower, sustain: Charting the Course for Resilient Democracy.’ 

It 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 conference includes several specialised 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. 

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