37th commonwealth parliamentary conference New Delhi

The Commonwealth, as we see it today, has evolved over a period of time into an international association of sovereign independent states. It is a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-lingual comity of nations wedded to the ideals of promoting global peace and prosperity, rule of law and freedom of the individual. More than anything else, what binds the Commonwealth community together is their abiding faith in a parliamentary democratic system wherein the sovereign will of the people reigns supreme.

Even a cursory glance at the working of the parliamentary polity prevalent in the member countries will reveal the rich and varied traditions of this system of governance in the Commonwealth. Over the years, parliamentary democracy has struck deep roots all over the Commonwealth, each member state contributing in its own way to suit the native requirements. What is more important is that the parliamentarians in these countries have strongly felt the imperative need to consult and cooperate, to share one another's experiences and thus further strengthen the Commonwealth ideals which they hold dear. It is in this context that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has come to play a crucial role in promoting the cause of parliamentary democracy the world over.

The annual Conferences of the CPA provide parliamentarians with a unique opportunity to meet and discuss many a subject of parliamentary concern. These Conferences also offer them a forum to exchange views on issues of topical and common concern to the Commonwealth and the world in general. India had the proud privilege of hosting this Conference in 1957 and in 1975. This rare honour was bestowed once again on India when the 37th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference was held in New Delhi from 23 to 28 September 1991.