Press Release – Jamaica’s Parliament Represented at the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Sydney, Australia

Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Honourable Juliet Holness, and Clerk to the Houses, Ms. Colleen Lowe, are representing the Parliament of Jamaica at the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC).

The 67th CPC, which runs from November 3 to 8, 2024, in Sydney, Australia, marks the first time the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) New South Wales Branch will host the event, as well as the first time an Australian State or Territory will host the annual conference.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference will gather parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to discuss the theme “Engage, Empower, Sustain: Charting the Course for Resilient Democracy.”

The Conference will include a variety of workshops that address critical issues in the Commonwealth, such as human trafficking, climate planning, gender equality, and the safety of parliamentarians in today’s polarized environment.

The Speaker of the House expressed enthusiasm for Jamaica’s participation, stating:

“This year’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is a great opportunity to engage with parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth, sharing insights on fostering resilient democratic institutions in our diverse regions. Our attendance underscores Jamaica’s commitment to advancing democratic principles and addressing key global challenges.”

Founded in 1911, the CPA represents over 180 national and subnational legislatures, uniting approximately 17,000 members in the pursuit of parliamentary democracy, respect for the rule of law, and the promotion of individual rights and freedoms.

This year’s CPC also marks a significant milestone with the 40th CPA Small Branches Conference and the 8th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference, both taking place in tandem with the main event in Sydney.