Assembly Members attend Commonwealth Conference

Three Assembly Members will attend a Commonwealth wide parliamentary conference on ‘Delivering Democracy and Sustainable Development’ in New Delhi from 23-30 September 2007. Rosemary Butler, Alun Cairns and Mohammad Asghar will represent the Assembly alongside delegates from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Westminster and also from provincial and national parliaments and Assemblies from across the Commonwealth at the 53^rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The conference agenda includes a series of debates and workshops on climate change, global water and energy use, economic development, environmental protection, human trafficking and parliamentary practice and procedure. Rosemary Butler, Deputy Presiding of the National Assembly and Vice President of the Wales Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association said: “India is well known as being the world’s largest democracy.  It is very fitting that this conference promoting parliamentary democracy should be held in New Delhi as the country celebrates its 60^th year since independence.  This conference provides an opportunity to engage with other parliaments and assemblies from across the Commonwealth, to learn from each other and to work together towards the CPA’s aim of developing parliamentary democracy, respect for the rule of law and the upholding individual freedoms across the Commonwealth.’’ Alun Cairns AM said:  ‘There is great diversity but also great commonality across the parliaments and legislatures of the Commonwealth.  Meeting in conference provides an opportunity to share experience and to learn from others.  As an Assembly it is important that we look outward so that we can learn from others and develop our skills in holding government to account, drafting new laws and ensuring effective financial scrutiny.’    Mohammed Asghar AM said: "As a new Assembly Member, and the first AM from one of Wales's ethnic minorities, I welcome this opportunity to develop my knowledge and contribute to the conference debates.  We can also play our part in raising the profile of Wales within India and with the Commonwealth as a whole. It is important that the various communities and countries of the Commonwealth develop a mutual spirit of understanding."   Notes: 1.  The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) consists of the national, provincial, state and territorial Parliaments and Legislatures of the countries of the Commonwealth.  Members of the CPA irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture share the Association’s mission to promote knowledge and understanding about parliamentary democracy and respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms.