NEW DELHI, January 5 (KNS) ; Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on Thursday, convening a major global parliamentary summit in the historic Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan.
The inaugural session was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, presiding officers from across the 53 Commonwealth nations, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.
In his opening remarks, Speaker Om Birla framed the conference as a crucial forum to address the dual-edged impact of technology on democracy. He noted that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have increased institutional efficiency, they have also spawned serious threats like misinformation and social polarization. Birla called for a collective legislative response to develop ethical AI and accountable digital frameworks.
The Speaker detailed India's own digital transformation, stating that its Parliament and State Legislatures are becoming paperless and more accessible through integrated platforms, setting new standards for transparency.
Prime Minister Modi's presence underscored the significance India places on the gathering. Birla, addressing the international delegates, stated that the Prime Minister's attendance was "a matter of great pride and honour.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel" He directly linked Modi's leadership to India's contemporary global standing, asserting that "under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and far-reaching reforms, India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy."
Birla further emphasized that India's current governance model holds global relevance, remarking that "India’s leadership is offering decisive solutions to global challenges, and the world today looks towards India for direction, stability, and inspiration."
Positioning India as the 'Mother of Democracy,' Birla said hosting the conference symbolized a shared Commonwealth commitment to democratic values. He expressed confidence that the summit would yield concrete policy outcomes to help legislatures worldwide harness technology responsibly while strengthening public trust.
The conference agenda includes critical plenary sessions on AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation; Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians; and strategies to enhance public engagement with parliamentary work.
The four-day summit, which has brought together 61 presiding officers from 42 countries, will conclude on Friday with a valedictory address by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. (KNS)