Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday said democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant only when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to the people, as the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) concluded in the national capital.
Delivering the valedictory address at the three-day conference, Birla said transparency builds public trust through openness in decision-making, while inclusivity ensures that every voice – particularly those on the margins – is heard and respected. Together, he noted, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the bond between citizens and the State.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said the 28th CSPOC, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded with a renewed commitment to making democratic institutions more people-centric. During the valedictory session, Birla formally handed over the chairmanship of the 29th CSPOC to Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, wishing him success for the next conference to be held in London.
Recalling the origins of CSPOC, established 56 years ago to promote continuous dialogue among Commonwealth legislatures, Birla said the New Delhi conference had carried forward this legacy with renewed vigour. He highlighted the unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in CSPOC’s history, describing it as a defining feature that would ensure the 28th edition is remembered as a milestone in Commonwealth parliamentary cooperation.
Birla said discussions during the conference on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in parliaments, the impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and the health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff were particularly thought-provoking. These deliberations, he noted, provided greater clarity on the evolving roles of Presiding Officers at a time when democratic traditions are intersecting with rapid technological change.
He observed that technology, inclusion and global partnerships would shape the new world order, expressing confidence that bilateral meetings and informal interactions during the conference had further strengthened bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries.
The Lok Sabha Speaker thanked all participating delegations for their active engagement, saying their enthusiasm and constructive spirit made the conference both meaningful and memorable. He also expressed gratitude to PM Modi for inaugurating the event at the historic Constitution House and for his address highlighting India’s democratic heritage and its commitment to the global community.
Earlier in the day, chairing a special plenary session, Birla said modern democracies face complex, multi-dimensional challenges alongside new opportunities. He stressed that the foremost duty of Presiding Officers is to adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining anchored in constitutional values. He underlined that both consensus and dissent are strengths of democracy, but must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety.
Birla also highlighted the role of digital initiatives such as e-Parliament and paperless functioning in enhancing transparency and efficiency, and underscored the importance of Parliamentary Standing Committees in ensuring effective legislative oversight.
The 28th CSPOC concluded on a note of optimism, solidarity and renewed resolve to strengthen parliamentary democracy through dialogue, cooperation and innovation, with participants reaffirming shared democratic values and a commitment to people-centric governance.
