Diane Kelsey MLC and Gary Clueit MLC have returned from South Africa after representing Tynwald at the 69^th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Cape Town.

Mrs Kelsey and Mr Clueit, (pictured) supported by the Deputy Clerk of Tynwald Joann Corkish, joined more than 800 delegates from across the Commonwealth for one of the largest annual gatherings of Commonwealth parliamentarians. The event ran from 13 to 19 September and was hosted by the Parliament of South Africa and the CPA South Africa Branch. 

The conference, which was held under the theme ‘Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership’, explored topics including the promotion of inter-parliamentary dialogue for inclusive trade, accessible parliaments and inclusion for people with disabilities; climate adaptation and resilience, artificial intelligence in parliaments, the role of parliaments in protecting human rights and promoting peace, and post-legislative scrutiny.

Opening the conference South African Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Hon Maropene Ramokgopa said: ‘The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference provides an important occasion to foster solidarity, democratic governance, sustainable development, and international cooperation.’ She went on to say that the event provided ‘an opportunity to strengthen collective action in pursuit of common goals.’

As part of the wider CPC the 42^nd CPA Small Branches Conference was held, the theme for which was ‘Supporting Independent and Resilient Parliaments in the Commonwealth'.

Delegates attending the 42nd CPA Small Branches Conference

Separately, Mr Clueit (pictured below) spoke at the CPA General Assembly during the general debate on ‘New Leadership Opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law’. His speech prompted the General Assembly Chair CPA President (2026) Hon Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of National Council of Provinces of South Africa, to describe his contribution as ‘thought-provoking’.

Mr Clueit said: ‘Attending events such as this provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with parliamentarians and officials from across the Commonwealth. Small island nations face many similar challenges, and these meetings provide a valuable forum for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and learning from the different approaches being taken to address them.’

Mrs Kelsey said: ‘Being part of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association gives Tynwald Members a unique access to parliamentarians and experts in democracy worldwide. Representing our parliament at the conference was a privilege and I can bring this new-found knowledge back to my duties in serving the people of the Isle of Man.’ 

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