By: Express News ServiceNew Delhi | January 17, 2026 05:55 AM IST 3 min readLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla delivers the valedictory address at the 28th CSPOC in New Delhi on Friday. PTIDemocratic institutions remain strong and relevant when they are transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable to people, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.He was delivering the valedictory address at the three-day 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which concluded on Friday with a renewed commitment to make democratic institutions “more people-centric”.During the valedictory session, Speaker Birla also handed over the chairmanship of 29th CSPOC to Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, and wished him best for the success of the next Conference in London.“Transparency fosters public trust by ensuring openness in decision-making, while inclusivity guarantees that every voice — especially those on the margins —is heard and respected in the democratic process. Together, these principles sustain the legitimacy of democratic institutions and strengthen the enduring bond between the citizen and the State,” he said.Recalling the vision behind the establishment of CSPOC 56 years ago, Birla said the Conference was conceived to ensure continuous dialogue among democratic legislatures of the Commonwealth and to explore new ways to enhance parliamentary efficiency and responsiveness, and its 28th edition had carried this legacy forward with renewed vigour and substance.Reflecting on the sessions of the Conference, the Speaker noted that discussions on responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments, impact of social media, citizen engagement beyond elections, and health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff were particularly thought-provoking.These deliberations, he said, helped presiding officers gain greater clarity about their evolving roles and responsibilities at a critical juncture where democratic traditions intersect with rapid technological change.Story continues below this adHe also sought to underscore that technology, inclusion and global partnerships would shape the new world order, and expressed confidence that the bilateral meetings and informal interactions held during the Conference would further strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding among member countries.Earlier in the day, Chairing the Special Plenary Session, Birla observed that modern democracies face both unprecedented opportunities and complex, multidimensional challenges, emphasising that the foremost duty of presiding officers is to continuously adapt democratic institutions to contemporary needs while remaining anchored in constitutional values.He also underlined that the true relevance of Parliaments lies in their ability to respond to citizens’ expectations and aspirations, ensuring that debates and deliberations lead to meaningful solutions to public concerns, with enhanced discussion directly contributing to greater transparency, accountability and strengthened public trust in legislatures.Consensus and dissent, he said, are both strengths of democracy, but must be expressed within the framework of parliamentary propriety and, in this context, the role of the presiding officer was described as decisive in safeguarding the dignity of the House, ensuring impartiality and reinforcing institutional credibility.Story continues below this adSpeaker Birla sought to stress that Parliaments belong to the people and must provide space for voices of all sections of society, including the last person in the social hierarchy. He also sought to emphasise the pivotal role of Parliamentary Standing Committees, often described as “mini Parliaments”.He said their scrutiny of the Budget and other legislative proposals sets a high standard of parliamentary oversight, and urged the presiding officers to constitute and further strengthen these committees to enhance the effective functioning of Parliament.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Om Birla