The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) has opened in Cape Town, bringing together more than 900 parliamentary delegates from across the Commonwealth for discussions on democracy, international law and the future of multilateral cooperation.
Hosted by the Parliament of South Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the conference is being held from September 13 to 19.
The conference is taking place under the theme “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership,” with this year’s discussions reflecting growing concerns over geopolitical tensions and weakening international norms.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, described the gathering as one of the most highly attended conferences in the organization’s history.
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The conversation is underway! 🇿🇦🌍
Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Thoko Didiza and CPA Secretary-General Mr Stephen Twigg join delegates at the Town Hall on legislating for the rights of persons with disabilities#DisabilityRights #ParliamentaryDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/IPAQLL6TRd
— 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (@CPC2026_ZA) September 15, 2026
He stressed that parliamentarians must move beyond debating democratic principles to actively defending democracy, upholding the rule of law and rebuilding trust across borders.
The conference also marks an important institutional moment for the CPA as it moves toward a new international legal status as an inter-parliamentary organization.
According to the South African Parliament, the transition is intended to strengthen cooperation among member legislatures and give the CPA a stronger collective voice in international forums, including the United Nations.
South African Minister, Maropene Ramokgopa, speaking on behalf of Deputy President – Paul Mashatile, called on delegates to use the conference to establish concrete commitments.
She highlighted the need to defend international law consistently, strengthen parliaments’ roles in representation and accountability, expand participation by women, young people and persons with disabilities, and use parliamentary diplomacy for peace and conflict prevention.
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The conference program covers a wide range of contemporary issues. Parliamentary workshops are addressing inclusive and fair trade, disability inclusion, climate adaptation and resilience, artificial intelligence in parliaments, human rights and peace, and post-legislative scrutiny.
A dedicated youth roundtable is also examining ways to rebuild young people’s trust and participation in democratic politics.
The CPC further incorporates the 42nd CPA Small Branches Conference, the 10th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference, meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities network and the CPA General Assembly.
Side events are examining issues including gender-just legal reform, water governance and parliamentary action on the health of women, children and adolescents.
