Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee, led The Gambia’s delegation to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), which concluded recently in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Speaker Jatta played a central role in advancing dialogue on modernisation, governance, and democratic cooperation among Commonwealth legislatures.
The week-long conference, held under the theme “The Commonwealth: A Global Partner,” brought together more than 600 delegates from over 180 legislatures across the Commonwealth. Hosted by the Parliament of Barbados and the CPA Barbados Branch, the gathering served as a platform to strengthen parliamentary democracy and promote collaboration in addressing shared global challenges.
Key discussions centred on climate change, digital transformation, transparency and trust in legislatures, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence to modernise parliaments and enhance public engagement.
In her opening address, H.E. Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados, underscored the Commonwealth’s responsibility to defend democracy and sustainable development. Prime Minister Hon. Mia Amor Mottley echoed this call, urging collective action to confront the climate crisis, particularly its impact on small island developing states.
The conference also featured parallel sessions of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), CPA Small Branches, and Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks, each focusing on inclusive governance and the election of new leadership within the CPA structure.
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