NEW DELHI: Democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Friday.
Birla was delivering the valedictory address at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) which began with a formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and concluded on Friday.
Birla, who chaired the event, said, “Democratic institutions can remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people”.
He noted that the CSPOC renewed its commitment to making democratic institutions more people-centric.
On the emerging world order in a democratic way, the Speaker said that technology inclusion and global partnership would shape the new world order. He then handed over the chairmanship of the next CSPOC to the Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and wished him success for the next CSPOC in London.
He observed that transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice—especially those on the margins—is heard and respected in the democratic process. “Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State”, he remarked.
Recalling the vision behind the establishment of the CSPOC 56 years ago, Birla said that the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness.
He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour and substance. The unprecedented participation of the largest number of countries in the history of the CSPOC was highlighted by the Speaker as a defining feature of the Conference. “This wide and inclusive representation would ensure that the New Delhi Conference is remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Commonwealth Parliamentary cooperation”, he said.
Birla acknowledged the presence of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and expressed sincere thanks to the Vice-President.
Conference conceived for legislative communication
Recalling the vision behind the establishment of the CSPOC 56 years ago, Birla said that the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways of enhancing parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness. He stated that the 28th CSPOC had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour.