Speaker attends Meeting of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC)Standing Committee

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The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, participated in the Standing Committee of the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in St. Peter's Port, Guernsey, from 9-12 January 2025. Tonga, alongside Samoa, represents the South Pacific region on this key committee, which oversees CSPOC activities and sets the agenda for the biennial Commonwealth conference. The meeting was hosted by the States Assembly of Guernsey, with Sir Richard McMahon, Bailiff of Guernsey and President of the States of Guernsey, welcoming delegates to the capital, St. Peter Port.

Hon. Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha of India, chaired the meeting as the host for the 28th CSPOC Conference, set to take place in New Delhi, India in January 2026. Delegates attending the meeting included prominent Speakers such as Hon. Milton Dick (Australia), Hon. Greg Fergus (Canada), Hon. Papali’iLi’o Oloipola Taeu Masipau (Samoa), Rt Hon. Dr. Moses Wetang'ula (Kenya), Lord Fakafanua (Tonga) and Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle (UK).

The Committee plays a vital role in guiding CSPOC’s direction, with the chairmanship rotating every conference cycle. Lord Fakafanua’s participation showcases Tonga's commitment to active engagement with Commonwealth partners and its leadership in regional and global parliamentary affairs.

The insights gained at CSPOCs enhances the Speaker’s role in managing the Legislative Assembly’s business and work and ensures that the voices of South Pacific legislatures are heard in shaping the future of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The Speaker was accompanied by the Chief Clerk, Gloria Pole’o, and Legislative Counsel, Ms. ‘Atiola, who played a key role in assisting the Speakers by participating in the work of the secretariat during the meeting of the Standing Committee of the CSPOC.