CPA ASIA REGION SECRETARIAT
1. Register | Joint seminar on Empowering Young Women in Politics
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will co-host a hybrid Rule of Law Seminar focused on advancing the participation of young women in politics in member countries.
The seminar will bring together Parliamentarians, experts and emerging leaders to share experiences, discuss challenges and identify practical ways to increase women’s participation in political and parliamentary processes.
Discussions will highlight proven approaches that have helped break down structural and cultural barriers to women’s political participation. Participants will also explore how these approaches can be adapted and scaled in different country contexts to support more young women to enter and lead in politics.
Date: 13 May 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (GMT+1)
Location: Hybrid – in person at Marlborough House, London, UK and online
Register here to attend online or in person: https://www.cpahq.org/events/joint-seminar-on-empowering-young-women-in-politics/#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=d7ed85cf-c1e6-4c5d-a5b2-80cb2c000300
2. Apply | CPA Green Mace Initiative
The CPA’s Green Mace Initiative serves as an acknowledgment of member Parliaments’ commitment to environmental and sustainability excellence. This initiative aims to recognise those who go above and beyond in their environmental practices, setting a standard for others to follow.
The Green Mace is a symbolic recognition in the form of a certificate awarded to the Parliament, adorned with a specially designed ‘Green Mace’ Mark, and a plaque for display within a Parliament. It provides an opportunity for the CPA and the individual Parliament to showcase their achievements and leadership in environmental sustainability.
In 2026, the first Parliaments to be awarded with the Green Mace Award will be recognised at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Apply by 7 August 2026.
3. 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards
Nominations now open for the 2026 CPA Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.
Since 2022 the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has recognised Parliamentary leadership through our annual Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.
The awards are open to nominees who are current Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth, with a main Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Award 2026, as well as three further awards for the following categories:
• Parliamentary Equality and Diversity Award
• New Parliamentarian Award
• Parliamentarian Life-time Achievement Award
The awards aim to recognise and highlight inspirational and active legislators for excelling in their field, and the CPA will share these case studies from amongst its membership with a wider audience. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s unique membership includes national, state, provincial and territorial Legislatures, and the awards are open to Members of the CPA’s over 180 Parliaments.
Above: CPA Chairperson Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP, presenting the 2025 Parliamentarian of the Year Award to Hon. Malik Muhammad Khan, Speaker of Punjab Provincial Assembly, Pakistan
The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said:
“The Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards form one of the highlights of our annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. Through these awards, the CPA recognises and highlights the invaluable contributions that Parliamentarians are making to their local communities and both nationally and internationally within the Commonwealth.”
Nominees should be sitting Members of Parliament in a Commonwealth Legislature or have been a sitting Member of Parliament in a Commonwealth Legislature during the award period. The award can be made posthumously.
Find pictures, podcasts, videos and articles at our Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year Awards hub.
Send your nominations for this year to hq.sec@cpahq.org by Friday 10 July 2026.
Read Full Criteria Here
Read about the 2026 Award Here
4. Calendar of Events
Workshops, Conferences and International Observances
Dates for your diary
• 26 – 28 May 2026
Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Forum 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
• 22 – 26 June 2026
CPA Parliamentary Academy Residency Programme for Members (Skills-Building)
Darwin, Australia
• 26 – 31 July 2026
13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (#CYP13)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• 13 – 18 September 2026
69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC)
• 19 – 13 November 2026
Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Workshop
Suva, Fiji
5. Forward Planning
Branches may also consult the CPA Forward Planning Calendar for information on CPA activities scheduled throughout 2026.
CPA Asia Region Branches planning their own parliamentary events, workshops or conferences are encouraged to inform the CPA Asia Region Secretariat for possible inclusion on official communication platforms.
CPA Asia Region Secretariat
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association – Asia Region