The next Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) is in South Africa in September. CPC is the largest annual gathering of Commonwealth Parliamentarians. It’s a chance for them to discuss global parliamentary and political issues.

As Cape Town prepares to host 600 delegates, we look at the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa. We’ll explore trade, climate resilience, tech, good governance, and more. Chaired by Gagan Mohindra MP. Confirmed panellists include:

• Lord Peter Hain
• Jarvis Matiya, Deputy Secretary General of CPA HQ
• Chris Vandome from Chatham House

Previous Lunchtime Conversations include:

The Commonwealth Games

3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will be there and it will have the largest para-sport programme in Commonwealth history. Organisers say they’re “pioneering a leaner, more sustainable model for major events.”

Discussing the Bangladesh Election

This Lunchtime Conversation took place a fortnight after the Bangladesh elections. We explored what the results mean for the future of Bangladesh. With a panel of experts, including Baroness Winterton who is the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, we examine what happens next and discover the most pressing issues facing this Commonwealth nation. 

Parliamentarians and Social Media

In January, the the discussion explored how parliamentarians can use social media for good despite the many concerns that surround it.

Taking place on the same day as a debate in the House of Commons on children's social media use, the panellists engaged with both the parliamentarian's and young person's experience of social media.

AI in Parliament

In October, the Editor of The House magazine, Francis Elliott, chaired an insightful discussion about the use of AI in Parliament. The panellists were Mark Sewards MP,  Dr Luke Evans MP and Nusrat Ghani MP, who is also Principal Deputy Speaker.