Formally establishing its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 at a high-profile event held at Australia House in London, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) brought together Commonwealth parliamentarians, key partner organizations, and diplomatic representatives. The event marked a highly significant milestone in the evolution of the association and its global mission. The organization’s primary ambition is to strengthen parliamentary democracy, enhance institutional capacity across its 180 member parliaments, and address the challenges shaping governance in today’s world—priorities that were strongly highlighted during the event.
The launch provided an opportunity for CPA leaders and affiliates to reflect on the association’s achievements while outlining ambitious pathways for the next four years. Held in the historic diplomatic setting of Australia House, the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 clearly sets out the CPA’s core values, strategic priorities, and operational approaches designed to deliver tangible impact for legislatures and Commonwealth parliaments.
At the heart of the Strategic Plan is the CPA’s commitment to supporting parliaments in fulfilling their constitutional duties in an effective, transparent, and inclusive manner. Over the next four years, the CPA aims to strengthen its support by offering expanded opportunities for professional development, building legislative skills, and promoting democratic values across the Commonwealth.
A central theme of the new plan is its dual focus on institutional strengthening and professional development. The CPA will continue to expand and refine flagship initiatives such as the CPA Parliamentary Academy—an online and in-person training platform for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff—as well as bespoke technical assistance programmes tailored to regional and national priorities. These initiatives are designed to empower legislators with the skills, knowledge, and resources required to navigate increasingly complex policy landscapes and serve their constituencies more effectively.
Recognizing that today’s global challenges require multi-stakeholder action, the Strategic Plan underscores the importance of strong strategic partnerships. The CPA is committed to deepening collaboration with other Commonwealth organizations, academic institutions, civil society networks, and international bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Through these partnerships, the CPA seeks to strengthen democracy, support human rights, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals both within the Commonwealth and beyond. To advance these objectives, the CPA actively encourages dialogue and cooperation across sectors.
Strengthening communications and outreach forms another key pillar of the new Strategic Plan. The CPA intends to modernize how it shares knowledge and engages with its global membership by leveraging digital platforms, multimedia content, and interactive engagement tools.
The launch at Australia House underscored the international significance of the CPA’s work and reflected the shared commitment among Commonwealth partners to democratic governance. Attendees included parliamentarians from across Commonwealth regions, diplomatic representatives, civil society advocates, and institutional partners—demonstrating the broad alliance required to advance the CPA’s vision.
Marked by a strong spirit of collaboration and forward-looking dialogue, the CPA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 sets a clear direction for the association’s efforts to nurture democratic institutions, reinforce parliamentary effectiveness, and elevate the role of parliamentarians in addressing global challenges. As the CPA embarks on this new strategic chapter, its focus remains firmly on empowering legislatures to uphold the principles of democratic representation and accountability that underpin the Commonwealth’s enduring values.
