Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, Chairman of Ways & Means, and Madam Deputy Speaker, has represented UK Parliament at the inaugural Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference of Asia and Southeast Asia, which took place in Lahore earlier this month.
The event brought together over 100 lawmakers, experts and policymakers from 20 assemblies, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Zambia, Malaysia, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Among the attendees were 13 speakers and 4 deputy speakers, highlighting the diversity and stature of the gathering.
The conference was hosted by the Punjab Assembly and centred around key themes such as parliamentary democracy, transparent legislative processes, strengthening democratic institutions, cooperation, accountability and empowering underrepresented groups, including women, young people, minorities and people with disabilities.
Throughout the conference Nusrat spoke and debated on the importance of open, free and transparent election and the stability of liberal democracies versus other forms of governance. In particular, Nusrat highlighted the opportunities and challenges that AI will bring to politics, elections and the functions of Parliament.
Nusrat Ghani said: “I was delighted to attend the first-ever joint CPA Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference and meet with the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan to discuss how we can work together to open new pathways for international parliamentary cooperation. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association plays an important role in strengthening relations between parliaments around the world. I was pleased to represent the British Parliament and share insights on global best practices to ensure democracy functions for all communities of our country."
