Cape town: The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) kicks off today, bringing together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the Commonwealth to discuss key issues affecting parliaments and the citizens they represent.
According to South African Government News Agency, the conference is being held from 13 to 19 September 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa and the South Africa Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association are hosting the event. This year's conference theme is "Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership."
The conference will convene Speakers of Parliament, Members of Parliament, parliamentary officials, and governance experts from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's (CPA) nine geographical regions: Africa, Asia, Australia, the British Islands and the Mediterranean, Canada, the Caribbean, the Americas and the Atlantic, India, and South Asia.
Established in 1911, the CPA is an international organisation committed to advancing parliamentary democracy, good governance, and cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures by strengthening institutional capacity, promoting knowledge-sharing, and fostering collaboration.
The hosting of the 69th CPC is seen as a significant milestone for South Africa's Parliament, reinforcing the country's commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and multilateral engagement. The conference provides a platform for high-level dialogue on global governance, democracy, international law, and sustainable development, while highlighting Parliament's constitutional role and South Africa's contribution to strengthening democratic institutions across the Commonwealth.
The programme includes a range of high-level meetings, workshops, and specialised forums aimed at promoting inclusive, effective, and responsive parliamentary governance. Monday's events include the CPA Small Branches Conference, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference, and the Official Opening Ceremony of the 69th CPC, scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm.