Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership
THE CPC INCLUDES KEY CPA GOVERNANCE AND NETWORK MEETINGS
These include the CPA General Assembly, meetings of the CPA Executive Committee, CPC workshops and other parliamentary network sessions.
These include the CPA General Assembly, meetings of the CPA Executive Committee, CPC workshops and other parliamentary network sessions.
Welcome message from Hosts of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa is honoured to welcome delegates, parliamentary leaders, officials, development partners, members of the media and guests from across the Commonwealth to the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 13 to 18 September 2026.
Hosting the CPC is both a privilege and a testament to South Africa’s steadfast commitment to constitutional democracy, multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy. As one of the world’s foremost gatherings of parliamentarians, the CPC provides a unique platform for legislators to exchange ideas, strengthen democratic institutions and collectively address the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth and the global community.
We are delighted to welcome you to Cape Town - a city where history, democracy and cultural diversity converge - and to the Parliament of South Africa, an institution committed to ensuring that the voices of the people in their diversity are reflected in governance, legislation and oversight.
The CPC is the flagship annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), bringing together Speakers, Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament, parliamentary officials and governance experts from national and sub-national legislatures across the Commonwealth community.
Founded in 1911, the CPA works to strengthen parliamentary democracy by promoting good governance, accountability, transparency, respect for the rule of law and cooperation among legislatures. The CPA connects Parliaments from the Commonwealth’s nine geographical regions, creating opportunities for peer learning and reviews, legislative innovation and the sharing of best practices.
The conference is more than an annual meeting, it is a forum where parliamentarians engage in meaningful dialogue on issues that shape the future of democratic governance, sustainable development, economic inclusion and international cooperation.
The 69th CPC will be convened under the overarching theme: “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership”.
Over six days, delegates will participate in a comprehensive programme that includes:
- The Official Opening Ceremony
- The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference plenary sessions
- Interactive policy workshops
- The CPA General Assembly
- Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference
- CPA Small Branches Conference
- Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) engagements
- Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) meetings
- The Emilia Lifaka Memorial Lecture
- Youth Roundtable discussions
- Parliamentarian of the Year Awards
- Networking, cultural and official hospitality events
As host nation, South Africa looks forward to facilitating meaningful dialogue, building lasting partnerships and showcasing the country’s democratic journey, rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality.
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa believes that the exchange of ideas among parliamentarians strengthens institutions, enriches democratic practice and contributes to a more just, peaceful and prosperous Commonwealth.
We invite you to explore this website for information about the conference programme, registration, accreditation, accommodation, travel, venue details, media resources and updates.
We wish all delegates and visitors a productive conference and an enjoyable stay in South Africa.
PROGRAMME
Day 1
Sat 12 Sep
Sat 12 Sep
Day 2
Sun 13 Sep
Sun 13 Sep
Day 3
Mon 14 Sep
Mon 14 Sep
Day 4
Tue 15 Sep
Tue 15 Sep
Day 5
Wed 16 Sep
Wed 16 Sep
Day 6
Thu 17 Sep
Thu 17 Sep
Day 7
Fri 18 Sep
Fri 18 Sep
Day 1 - Saturday 12 September 2026
| 08:00-20:00 | Conference Registration - Delegates and Support staff | Jasminum Restaurant and Clivia Conservatory, Ground Floor, CTICC1 |
| All Day | Arrivals of delegates |
Day 2 - Sunday 13 September 2026
| 09:00-10:30 | CPA Coordinating Committee and Audit Committee Meetings (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting room 1.63, First floor, CTICC 1 |
| 10:30-11:00 | Coffee Break | Meeting Room 1.60 Landing |
| 11:00-13:00 | CPA Regional Secretaries Meeting (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting room 1.64, First floor, CTICC 1 |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch | Meeting Room 1.60 Landing |
| 14:00-16:00 | CPA Planning and Review Subcommittee (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting Room 1.61 - 1.62, First floor, CTICC 1 |
| 14:00-16:00 | CPA Finance Subcommittee (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting room 1.63, First floor, CTICC 1 |
| 19:00-21:00 | Evening Reception for EXCO (By Invitation Only) | InterContinental Table Bay Hotel |
Day 3 - Monday 14 September 2026
| 09:00-12:00 | CPA International Executive Committee Meeting (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting Room 1.61 - 1.62, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:00-09:30 | CPA Small Branches Conference Opening Session (All small branches attendees) | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:30-10:30 | CPA Small Branches Conference Session 1 (All small branches attendees) | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 10:30-10:45 | Coffee Break | Ballroom Foyer |
| 10:45-12:00 | CPA Small Branches Conference Session 2 (All Small Branches attendees) | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 11:30-12:30 | CWP Business Meeting (Closed Group Meeting – Women Parliamentarians and accompanying officials only) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch | Ballroom Foyer and Main Lounge |
| 12:30-13:30 | Side event: High level Parliamentary Network Convening on Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents Health | Meeting Room 1.63 – 1.64, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 13:30-15:00 | CPA International Executive Committee Meeting – Continued, if needed (Closed Committee Meeting) | Meeting Room 1.61 - 1.62, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 13:30-15:00 | CWP Business Meeting continued with Host Branch Topical Discussion (Closed Group Meeting – Women Parliamentarians and accompanying officials only) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 15:00-15:15 | Coffee Break | Ballroom Foyer and Lounge |
| 15:15-17:15 | CWP Conference Official Opening and Session A (All attendees –all genders) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 17:30-20:00 | Official Opening Ceremony of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference | Exhibition Halls 4A, Ground floor, CTICC1 |
| 20:00-22:00 | Welcome Reception Dinner | Exhibition Halls 3, Ground floor, CTICC1 |
Day 4 - Tuesday 15 September 2026
| 09:00-12:30 | SoCATT Africa Annual General Meeting | Rooftop Terrace, Second floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:00-11:30 | Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities Townhall Event (open event) | City Hall, Darling Str, Cape Town |
| 09:00-10:30 | CPA Small Branches Conference Session 3 (All small branches attendees) | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:00-10:30 | CWP Conference Session B (All attendees – all genders) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 10:30-11:15 | Coffee Break | Ballroom Foyer and Main Lounge |
| 11:00-12:30 | CPA Small Branches Conference Session 4 (All small branches attendees) | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 11:00-12:30 | CWP Conference Session C (All attendees – all genders) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 12:00-13:00 | Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities DPO Outreach event (by invitation only) | Artscape, Cape Town |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch | Exhibition Hall 3, Ground floor, CTICC |
| 14:00-16:30 | 60th SoCATT (Society of Clerks at the Table in Commonwealth Parliaments) International Meeting | Roof Terrace, Second floor, CTICC1 |
| 14:00-15:30 | Joint CWP Small Branches & CPwD Session D (open event) | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 15:30-17:00 | CPC Workshop A (Host Branch Workshop): Promoting Inter-parliamentary Dialogue for Inclusive Fair Trade in Diverse Economies, Addressing Inequality and Underdevelopment in the Commonwealth and Beyond | Ballroom West First floor, CTICC1 |
| 15:30-17:00 | CPC Workshop B (All attendees): Accessible Parliaments: Inclusion for People with Disabilities | Ballroom East, 1 First floor, CTICC 1 |
| 16:30-17:30 | SoCATT International Advisory Committee Meeting | Roof Terrace, Second Floor, CTICC1 |
| 17:30-18:00 | Briefing for All Delegates, Secretaries and Observers (All attendees) | Exhibition Hall 4A, Ground floor, CTICC1 |
| 18.30-20:00 | Emilia Lifaka Memorial Lecture (All attendees) | Exhibition Hall 4A, Ground Floor, CTICC1 |
Day 5 - Wednesday 16 September 2026
| 08:30-11:00 14:00-17:15 |
Meeting of the Society of Clerks at the Table (SOCATT) continued | Roof Terrace, Second floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:00-10:30 | CPC Workshop C (All attendees): Parliamentary Leadership in Promoting Climate Adaptation and Resilience | Nerina and Protea, CTICC2 |
| 09:00-10:30 | CPC Workshop D (All attendees): Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments: Current Applications, Prospects and Implementation Strategies | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 09:00-10:30 | CPC Workshop E (All attendees): Protecting Human Rights and Promoting Peace: The Role of Parliaments | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 10:30-11:00 | Coffee Break | Ballroom Foyer Areas |
| 11:00-13:00 | CPA Regional Meeting - Africa | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| CPA Regional Meeting - Asia | Protea, CTICC2 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - Australia | Nerina, CTICC2 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - BIM | Meeting Room 2.41-2.43, Second floor, CTICC1 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - Canada | Meeting Room 2.44-2.45, Second floor, CTICC1 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - CAA | Meeting Room 1.3, First floor, CTICC1 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - India | Blue Bell, CTICC 2 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - Pacific | Watsonia, CTICC 2 | |
| CPA Regional Meeting - SEA | Ballroom West, First floor, CTICC1 | |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch | Exhibition Hall 3 |
| 14:30-16:00 | CPC Workshop F: Post Legislative Scrutiny: Connecting Parliaments with the Public | Ballroom West, Fist floor, CTICC 1 |
| 14:00-16:00 | Side event: Advancing Equality in the Law: Strategies for Gender-Just Legal Reform (hosted by the CPA, UN Women, Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights and Equality Now, on behalf of the Equality in Law for Women and Girls by 2030 Coalition) | Nerina and Protea, CTICC 2 |
| 14:00-16:00 | Youth Roundtable (By invitation only) | Meeting Room 2.41 and 2.42, Second floor, CTICC1 |
| 16.15-17.30 | Side Event: Global Parliamentary Water Network | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 19:00-21:00 | Clerks’ Dinner (By invitation only) | Pigalle Restaurant, Greenpoint |
Day 6 - Thursday 17 September 2026
| 09:00-12:00 | CPA General Assembly (Official Voting Delegates and Official Delegation and Regional Secretaries only) | Exhibition Hall 4A, Ground Floor, CTICC1 |
| 12:00-13:30 | Lunch | Exhibition Hall 3 |
| 12:00-13:30 | Side event: The Global Health Caucus – Breaking the Silence: The Commonwealth Leads on Menopause | Ballroom East, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 13:30-16:00 | CPA General Assembly Continued (Official Voting Delegates and Official Delegation and Regional Secretaries only) | Exhibition Hall 4A, First floor, CTICC1 |
| 16:00-17:00 | CPA New International Executive Committee Meeting (closed committee meeting) *This meeting will take place immediately after the General Assembly |
Roof Terrace, Second floor, CTICC1 |
| 19:00-22:00 | Official Closing Dinner and Parliamentarians Awards Ceremony (All attendees) | Exhibition Hall 3, Ground Floor, CTICC1 |
Day 7 - Friday 18 September 2026
| Official Tour Day (All pre-registered attendees) | 1A - Robben Island Museum 1B - Wine Route Tour 1C - Two Oceans Aquarium 1D - A taste of Cape Town |
View the full conference programme
View Emilia Lifaka lecture programme
View host branch workshop programme
View the official programme for the Closing Dinner and Parliamentary Awards Ceremony
Bulletins
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CONFERENCE CONCLUDED
MEMBERS OF THE CPA
More than 180 national, state, provincial and territorial legislatures work together through the CPA to strengthen parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.
Explore represented countries
More than 180 national, state, provincial and territorial legislatures work together through the CPA to strengthen parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.
Explore represented countries
THE PARLIAMENTARIAN
The Parliamentarian Supplement: South Africa Profile for the 69th CPC
Ahead of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in South Africa, this special supplement features articles by the two Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials from South Africa that examine many different areas of the political and cultural life of the country. The 69th CPC Supplement also explores the history of South Africa’s involvement with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association through extracts from the CPA Archives and a historian from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission writes about the new Cape Town Memorial.
Click here to view the pdf.
Click here to view the Issuu version.
Ahead of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in South Africa, this special supplement features articles by the two Presiding Officers, Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials from South Africa that examine many different areas of the political and cultural life of the country. The 69th CPC Supplement also explores the history of South Africa’s involvement with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association through extracts from the CPA Archives and a historian from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission writes about the new Cape Town Memorial.
Click here to view the pdf.
Click here to view the Issuu version.
REGISTRATION
CONTACT US
Address: Parliament of South Africa, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
0800 226 007
CPCSouthAfrica@parliament.gov.za
Address: Parliament of South Africa, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
0800 226 007
CPCSouthAfrica@parliament.gov.za