Odisha Speaker Surama Padhy to Champion Gender Equality and Democratic Values at Global CPA Meet

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy is set to represent India at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference and the 9th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference in Barbados from October 5 to 19.

Leading a high-profile itinerary, Padhy will address key sessions on gender sensitivity, inclusive governance, and climate change.

Her participation underscores India’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting gender equity across Commonwealth nations.

On October 7, she will speak on strategies for achieving gender sensitivity in parliaments. Subsequent sessions will see her engage on topics ranging from empowering democratic institutions to removing barriers for women with disabilities in politics.

Climate change’s impact on global health and the separation of powers in governance will also be central to her addresses.

Following the conference, Padhy will embark on a study tour to London, Zurich, and Paris, engaging with the Odia diaspora and officials to share insights and reinforce cultural ties.

Notably, she plans to visit the British Museum to view a historic artifact linked to Odisha’s freedom struggle.

The Indian delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, includes representatives from 22 states, marking a robust national presence at the global forum.

Padhy emphasised that her participation aims to elevate India’s parliamentary legacy and foster international collaboration on pressing global issues.