Parliament, Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – Over 900 parliamentarians, parliamentary officials, observers and experts are gathering in Cape Town for the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held under the theme, “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.”
MONDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2026
1. Official opening puts democracy and international law in the spotlight
The 69th CPC was officially opened on Monday, 14 September, under the theme “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.” The delegates were welcomed by the current CPC President and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who called on Commonwealth parliaments to strengthen democracy, uphold international law and confront global inequality.
The CPA Secretary-General, Mr Stephen Twigg, highlighted the responsibility of parliamentarians to use legislation, oversight and representation to hold governments accountable and advance democracy, good governance and human rights.
South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa, was the guest of honour who delivered remarks on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa during the opening ceremony.
Also yesterday, Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, led a high-level engagement of the Parliamentary Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health. She called on parliamentarians to turn health commitments into measurable action.
Ahead of the official opening, various CPA structures held preparatory meetings, including the Coordinating Committee and Audit Committee, Regional Secretaries, the Planning and Review Subcommittee, the Finance Subcommittee, the International Executive Committee, the CPA Small Branches and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).
The 42nd CPA Small Branches Conference was held under the theme, “Supporting Independent and Resilient Parliaments in the Commonwealth,” with discussions focusing on the separation of powers, parliamentary budget offices, disaster-risk financing and inclusive institutions. The 10th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference focused on structural sensitivity, intergenerational equality, gender mainstreaming and inclusive parliamentary practice.
TODAY: TUESDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026
Today's programme shifts attention to inclusion of people with disabilities, fair trade and inequality, and the legacy of parliamentary leadership within the Commonwealth.
1. Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Town Hall
Today, the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Town Hall at Cape Town City Hall ran from 09:00 to 11:30. The Town Hall placed people with disabilities at the centre of discussions about parliamentary inclusion. It provided an opportunity to engage on how parliaments can become more accessible and responsive to the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities.
This focus continued during the day through a Disability Persons Organisations outreach event and a joint session involving Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities at Artscape.
2. Host Branch Workshop discusses fair trade, inequality and underdevelopment
As host, South Africa will lead a key CPC workshop from 15:30 to 17:00 on: “Promoting Inter-parliamentary Dialogue for Inclusive Fair Trade in Diverse Economies, Addressing Inequality and Underdevelopment in the Commonwealth and Beyond.” The workshop will bring parliamentarians together around one of the central economic challenges confronting Commonwealth countries: how trade and economic cooperation can contribute more effectively to development while addressing inequality and underdevelopment. The discussion also reinforces the role of parliaments in ensuring that economic policies and international cooperation deliver meaningful benefits for citizens.
3. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Memorial Lecture
Tuesday's programme concludes with the 4th CPA Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Lecture, from 18:30 to 20:00 at the CTICC. The lecture honours the late Ms Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, former Chairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of Cameroon. The memorial lecture gives the Commonwealth parliamentary community an opportunity to reflect on her contribution and legacy, while continuing conversations about parliamentary leadership and cooperation across the Commonwealth.
The thread running through today's programme is inclusion and action. Discussions focused on ensuring persons with disabilities have a meaningful voice in democratic institutions, exploring how parliaments can advance fairer economic development, and recognising parliamentary leadership that has strengthened cooperation across the Commonwealth.
WHAT’S COMING UP – WEDNESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER
Wednesday’s programme will focus on climate adaptation and resilience, artificial intelligence, human rights and peace and regional parliamentary engagement.
Three major CPC workshops are scheduled:
- Workshop C: “Parliamentary Leadership in Promoting Climate Adaptation and Resilience”;
- Workshop D: “Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments: Current Applications, Prospects and Implementation Strategies”; and
- Workshop E: “Protecting Human Rights and Promoting Peace: The Role of Parliaments.”
The 60th meeting of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) will also take place. The meeting provides an important professional forum for Clerks and senior parliamentary officials, whose procedural expertise, institutional memory and impartial service contribute to strong and resilient legislatures.
Other highlights for Wednesday's schedule include a meeting of the Global Parliamentary Water Network and a meeting on “Advancing Equality in Law: Strategies for Gender-Just Legal Reform.” The latter is hosted by the CPA, UN Women, the Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights and Equality Now, on behalf of the Equality in Law for Women and Girls by 2030 Coalition.
The nine CPA Regions will hold their regional meetings at 11:00.
MEDIA ACCESS AND PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Accredited media are advised to consult the attached full 69th CPC programme for detailed information on dates, times, venues and access arrangements. Any updates regarding media access, interview opportunities or programme changes will be communicated by Parliament’s Communications team.
The 69th CPC brings together delegates from across the Commonwealth’s nine CPA Regions to discuss parliamentary democracy, international law, governance and the role of parliaments in responding to shared global challenges.
The full 69th CPC programme is attached.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson
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