Participants of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) South-East Asia Regions Joint Conference have gathered in Lahore to address pressing issues affecting the region. With a focus on peace, counterterrorism strategies, economic stability, and climate change policies, over 100 representatives from 20 legislatures convened at the Punjab Assembly for this critical event.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The inaugural ceremony of the conference set the stage for a robust discussion on the future of regional parliamentary collaboration. Among the distinguished guests were 13 Speakers, 4 Deputy Speakers, and 1 Chairman, with Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and CPA Chairperson Dr. Christopher Kalila in attendance. Dr. Kalila hailed the initiative as a pivotal step towards enhancing sustainable governance, democracy, and collective regional progress.
Addressing the attendees, Dr. Kalila highlighted the imminent resolution of the CPA’s legal status, signaling a new era of parliamentary engagement. The passage of the CPA Status Bill in the House of Commons and the subsequent royal assent underscored the commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for regional cooperation.
Senator Pele Peter Tinggom from Malaysia emphasized the need for collective action to address the myriad challenges facing the region. With global health crises looming large, he stressed the importance of declaring a health emergency to combat diseases like COVID-19 effectively. Maintaining regional peace and economic stability were identified as critical imperatives for sustained growth and development.
Promoting Democratic Values
CPA Secretary-General Mataya underscored the significance of legislative reforms in charting a new course for regional progress. Strengthening parliamentary institutions and fostering democratic principles were key priorities highlighted during the conference. Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons Nusrat Ghani emphasized the role of constructive criticism in enhancing parliamentary democracy and called for more effective platforms for parliamentary engagement.
Speaker of Selangor Malaysia Lau Weng San commended the Punjab Assembly for hosting the conference, noting its potential to deepen mutual understanding and improve parliamentary systems across participating nations. Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah stressed the importance of addressing class divisions and protecting the rights of minorities to foster inclusive growth and social cohesion.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati drew parallels with British history, highlighting the need to safeguard parliamentary integrity amidst evolving political landscapes. Referencing recent legislative measures, he underscored the importance of upholding democratic norms to preserve the sanctity of parliamentary institutions.
In conclusion, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) South-East Asia Regions Joint Conference served as a testament to the collective resolve of regional lawmakers to tackle shared challenges and foster sustainable development. By prioritizing peace, democracy, and economic stability, participants reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic values and advancing regional cooperation.
