Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association
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Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth, a podcast by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), gives a voice to Parliamentarians, civil society experts and activists across the Commonwealth to discuss common democratic challenges and share their ideas on what can be done to solve them. The CPA promotes knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy. Our work enables Commonwealth Parliamentarians and officials to uphold and strengthen parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, sustainable development and human rights.

  1. Sports, Politics & the Commonwealth

    2d ago

    Sports, Politics & the Commonwealth

    What is the link between politics and sport in the Commonwealth? As both a cultural and political union, sport has been a central and evolving pillar - through the Commonwealth Games, cooperation between Sports Ministries or in promoting sustainable development.  In our extended episode released ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, we look at the past, present and future of these links - as a venue for protest and self-determination, as a career path or as a basis for peace and development. Dr. Matthew McDowell is a Lecturer in Sport Policy, Management, and International Development at Edinburgh University. He discussed the transition of the Empire Games into the Commonwealth Games, its relationship with nationalism and apartheid and whether its now found a sustainable hosting blueprint. Hon. Liesl Tesch participated in 5 Paralympic Games in wheelchair basketball and sailing, and won 3 medals. She currently serves as a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. She discusses her programmes to support sportspersons in Australia and to link sport and development globally, and her transition from athlete to legislator. Dr Lin Cherurbai Sambili-Gicheha is the Adviser, Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) for the Commonwealth-Secretariat. She discusses her research on the link between peace, development and sport. Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)  Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform:  https://www.cpahq.org/knowledge-centre/podcast/  This podcast was recorded in May 2026 by Oz Russell, Communications Officer at the CPA Secretariat.

    59 min
  2. Farah Azeem Shah: Peacebuilding, the International Community and Supporting Women in Baluchistan

    Apr 23

    Farah Azeem Shah: Peacebuilding, the International Community and Supporting Women in Baluchistan

    This episode of ‘Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth’, the CPA’s Podcast, features Hon. Farah Azeem Shah, MPA, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Baluchistan, Pakistan.  The conversation explores how Farah Azeem Shah advances peacebuilding, women’s rights and parliamentary leadership.  It highlights her pivotal role in championing women’s rights legislation, as well as her broader humanitarian and peace focused initiatives that empower communities.  Music: Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform:  https://www.cpahq.org/knowledge-centre/podcast/ Recorded in February 2026.

    20 min
  3. Speaker Lau Weng San: Neutrality, Parliamentary Integrity & the Rule of Law

    Mar 17

    Speaker Lau Weng San: Neutrality, Parliamentary Integrity & the Rule of Law

    This episode of ‘Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth’, the CPA’s Podcast, features Hon. Lau Weng San, the 12th Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, Malaysia.  In this conversation, Speaker Lau reflects on his unique journey as one of the few non-MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) Speakers in Selangor’s history, discussing how this position shapes his approach to parliamentary neutrality and constitutional responsibility. He explains the principles that guide him in safeguarding legislative integrity, such as the rule of law and democratic accountability. He also shares his vision for strengthening transparency, enhancing accountability and raising institutional standards within the legislative system.  Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)  Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform:  https://www.cpahq.org/knowledge-centre/podcast/  Recorded in February 2026.

    36 min
  4. International Women's Day 2026: Women in Power

    Mar 5

    International Women's Day 2026: Women in Power

    What does it mean to lead as a woman in politics today? In this special fireside chat, hosted by Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Coordinator Avni Kondhia, three women Parliamentarians and CPA Officers come together for a candid and informal conversation about their journeys in public life and the realities of holding power across the Commonwealth. She spoke with Sue Lines, CPA Treasurer and President of the Senate of Australia; Valerie Woods, CPA Small Branches Chairperson and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belize and Catherine Fife, CWP Chairperson and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. From the unexpected paths that led them into politics to their proudest achievements in Parliament, the speakers reflect on the moments that shaped their careers. They discuss how their parliaments have evolved for women over time, the importance of allyship across party lines, and the ongoing work needed to achieve equal representation in political leadership. The conversation also explores bigger questions: why women Heads of Government remain rare in many Commonwealth jurisdictions—including Canada, Australia, and Belize—and what must change for women’s leadership at the highest level to become the norm.  Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

    41 min
  5. What causes social bias in AI – and how can Parliaments counter it?

    Jan 28

    What causes social bias in AI – and how can Parliaments counter it?

    What causes social bias in AI – and how can Parliaments counter it? As AI is adopted across the world, prejudices and biases – sexism, racism, classism – are reproduced in its outputs. What causes these biases, and how can Parliamentarians counter them? To find out, we spoke to Norul Mohamed Rashid, Policy Advisor at UN Women and Dr Claudia Abreu Lopes, Policy Research Lead at the United Nations University.  They discussed how content moderation, unequal access to technology and concentration of power could lead to some of these biases, and how citizens and parliamentarians can fight back.  This episode was recorded by Oz Russell, CPA Communications Officer, at the Kuala Lumpur Conference on the Role of Parliaments in responsible AI in December 2025. The conference was organised jointly by CPA, IPU, UNDP, and the Parliament of Malaysia.  Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)

    32 min
  6. Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to democracy? With AI Safety Asia

    12/17/2025

    Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to democracy? With AI Safety Asia

    Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to democracy? As AI is adopted across the globe, we're already seeing some of the negative effects that this is having on democracy, from deepfakes to climate issues to the concentration of corporate power. In this episode, we spoke with Supheakmungkol Sarin, co-founder of AI Safety Asia and Michael Bąk, Head of Policy at AI Safety Asia. They discussed how capacity building in AI differs from other forms of technology, how Parliamentarians should always make AI policy in consultation with civil society, and how different systems of knowledge could influence the development of responsible AI across the globe. Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)    Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform. This episode was recorded by Oz Russell, CPA Communications Officer, at the Kuala Lumpur Conference on the Role of Parliaments in responsible AI in December 2025. The conference was organised jointly by CPA, IPU, UNDP, and the Parliament of Malaysia.

    25 min
  7. Finance, democracy and accountability: Juan Watterson on Public Accounts Committees in small jurisdictions

    11/20/2025

    Finance, democracy and accountability: Juan Watterson on Public Accounts Committees in small jurisdictions

    This episode of ‘Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth’, the CPA’s Podcast, was made in association with ‘Human Coined’, a Podcast series hosted by Geoff Dubrow, Founder and Principal Consultant at Nexus PFM Consulting Inc., a consulting firm specialising in horizontal approaches to policy issues, bringing together Parliaments, Ministries of finance, civil society organisations and others.   (https://nexuspfm.com/podcast/)  How can governments ensure that their public projects are good value for money, that spending is economic and efficient and that the public know where their money is going?   In this episode, Geoff Dubrow examines the role of Public Accounts Committees in the Commonwealth’s smallest jurisdictions. He spoke with Hon. Juan Watterson, who has served as Speaker of the Tynwald House of Keys and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Isle of Man since 2016 and they discussed the unique setup of the Isle of Man Public Accounts Committee, the challenges of running Committees in a small jurisdiction and the increasing complexity of the work of PACs.  Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue)    Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform.  Recorded in August 2025.

    29 min
  8. Redefining Representation: Hon. Mmabatho Tembe on Youth, Leadership & Public Service in South Africa

    10/21/2025

    Redefining Representation: Hon. Mmabatho Tembe on Youth, Leadership & Public Service in South Africa

    In this episode, we’re joined by Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and one of the youngest to ever hold the role. Her story charts a compelling rise – from community organising and council chambers to presiding over legislative proceedings in one of South Africa’s most dynamic provinces. As a young woman navigating political power, public service and institutional change, Hon. Tembe shares insights on leadership that’s grounded, forward-looking and inclusive. This conversation dives into the evolving face of democracy in South Africa, and what it takes to lead with both conviction and care.  Hon. Mmabatho Tembe was speaking with Miral Pankhania, Communications and Office Administrator at the CPA Secretariat during the CWP Workshop in the Bahamas. Music: Vine Crawler by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue) Subscribe to the podcast or listen on your favourite platform: https://www.cpahq.org/knowledge-centre/podcast/  Recorded in May 2025.

    26 min
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Parliamentary Conversations in the Commonwealth, a podcast by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), gives a voice to Parliamentarians, civil society experts and activists across the Commonwealth to discuss common democratic challenges and share their ideas on what can be done to solve them. The CPA promotes knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy. Our work enables Commonwealth Parliamentarians and officials to uphold and strengthen parliamentary democracy, the rule of law, sustainable development and human rights.

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