New CPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 launched

26/02/2026

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association launches new Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 to support its membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has officially launched its new Strategic Plan, covering the period 2026 – 2029.

This Strategic Plan sets out how the organisation will advance and develop support to its CPA membership over the next four-year reporting period, through focusing on three core objectives and a range of cross cutting themes that will be mainstreamed across CPA operations and workstreams.

“This document captures the collective aspirations of our membership and charts a renewed course for the CPA at a pivotal moment for parliamentary democracy. As Chairperson, I am privileged to lead an organisation whose commitment to strengthening democratic institutions is deeply rooted in the values we share in the Commonwealth: respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law, mutual learning and the unwavering belief that Parliaments – when empowered, inclusive and independent – remain the bedrock of peaceful and prosperous societies.

Building on our transition to an organisation with an international status – an important milestone that has the potential to elevate our global visibility and amplify our voice – we stand ready to engage more with regional and international partners on matters that shape the governance landscape.”

Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia)

The CPA Strategic Plan was informed by an internal review of the previous Strategic Plan and a comprehensive and inclusive consultation process open to all CPA Members and key external partners. Following responses from over 100 individuals, CPA Branches, partners and Secretariat staff, the feedback was analysed, and several key themes emerged and were developed, resulting in the final document.

The CPA Strategic Plan contains three strategic objectives that anchor the work of the Association: strengthening Parliaments, delivering parliamentary professional development and promoting Commonwealth values. Each objective is supported by programmes and activities that are context-sensitive and Member-driven, ensuring that the CPA’s work remains relevant to Parliaments of all sizes, regions and stages of democratic development.

“Across all our work, we continue to embed six cross-cutting themes: gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities, support for small jurisdictions, youth engagement, technology, and sustainable development and climate change. These themes reflect the voices of our Members and the realities facing the communities across our jurisdictions.

There are growing pressures from political polarisation, economic uncertainty, climate change and the rapid spread of misinformation. At the same time, technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence and digital communication, are reshaping how institutions operate and how citizens engage with their Parliaments. Against this backdrop, the CPA will continue to evolve to ensure that it remains a trusted and indispensable partner to Parliaments in meeting these challenges.

This Strategic Plan represents our commitment to doing exactly that, guided by our belief in the value of multilateralism and our support for the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and the goals set out by the United Nations in Agenda 2030.”

CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg

As well as outlining the key organisational priorities, the plan defines the enablers with which the CPA will fulfil its objectives. It is hoped that this new Strategic Plan will empower the CPA to build upon the organisation’s existing strengths and the substantial progress made by the Secretariat and membership in recent years, whilst also addressing the challenges the organisation will face between now and 2029.

Read about the launch event for the new CPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 at Australia House in London attended by Commonwealth Parliamentarians, diplomats and partner organisations.

If you have any feedback on the new CPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 then please email hq.sec@cpahq.org.

CPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 sets out its support for our membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments as well as how the organisation will advance and develop support to CPA Members through focusing on three core objectives and six cross cutting themes that will be mainstreamed across CPA operations and workstreams.

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New CPA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 launched

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