New Delhi, Jan 15 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday set the tone for global parliamentary deliberations by calling for ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and credible, transparent and accountable social media frameworks to protect democratic values, as he delivered the welcome address at the inaugural session of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in New Delhi.
Addressing the gathering at the iconic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, Birla said rapid technological transformations were reshaping governance worldwide. While AI and social media have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of democratic institutions, their misuse has also created serious challenges.
“Misinformation, cybercrime and social polarisation pose real threats to democratic discourse. Addressing these concerns is a shared responsibility of legislatures across the world,” he said.
Stressing the need for collective action, the Speaker underscored the growing importance of ethical AI and robust social media regulations. “Safeguarding democratic values requires credible, transparent and accountable frameworks that ensure technology is harnessed responsibly,” Birla noted, expressing confidence that the CSPOC would lead to “policy-oriented outcomes” to help parliaments manage technological change.
Highlighting India’s own experience, Birla said the Parliament of India and State Legislatures were increasingly adopting AI and digital technologies to improve transparency, efficiency and accessibility. “Our legislative institutions are steadily becoming paperless and are being integrated through a unified digital platform, setting new benchmarks in parliamentary functioning,” he said.
The Speaker also drew attention to India’s recent legislative reforms, noting that Parliament, in coordination with the government, has repealed several obsolete laws and enacted new welfare-oriented legislations. These measures, he said, have “accelerated India’s progress towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.”
Reflecting on over seven decades of India’s parliamentary journey, Birla said the country has consistently strengthened its democratic institutions through people-centric policies, welfare legislation and an impartial electoral system. “These efforts have ensured inclusive participation and deepened public faith in democracy,” he said.
Emphasising the relevance of Commonwealth parliamentary platforms, Birla said forums like the CSPOC possess a unique ability to bring together Presiding Officers from diverse democracies to deliberate on issues of global importance. “Collective wisdom and shared responsibility are essential to address the evolving challenges confronting legislatures worldwide,” he added.
Welcoming delegates, Birla said the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural session was a matter of “great pride and honour.” He remarked that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy and is offering “decisive solutions to global challenges.”
“Today, the world looks towards India for direction, stability and inspiration,” the Speaker said.
Calling India the “Mother of Democracy,” Birla said hosting the conference in the world’s largest democracy symbolised a shared commitment to strengthening democratic dialogue and cooperation. He noted that the CSPOC provides a vital opportunity to exchange best practices and innovative ideas to reinforce parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth.
Outlining the agenda, Birla said the conference would deliberate on issues such as the impartiality and fairness of Presiding Officers, enhancing public trust in parliaments, and maintaining the dignity, credibility and prestige of parliamentary institutions. “Upholding the respect and authority of parliaments in the eyes of the people must remain a paramount priority for all democracies,” he stressed.
Expressing optimism about the outcomes, the Speaker said the deliberations would help identify collective solutions, improve parliamentary procedures, deepen public participation and strengthen citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.
The 28th CSPOC brings together Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 national parliaments of Commonwealth countries, along with delegates from 14 semi-autonomous parliaments. A total of 61 Presiding Officers, including 45 Speakers and 16 Deputy Speakers from 42 member countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments, are attending the conference.
Key themes for discussion during the plenary sessions include AI in Parliament, the impact of social media on parliamentarians, innovative strategies for citizen participation beyond voting, and the health and wellbeing of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.
LS Speaker Birla flags ethical AI, accountable Social Media as key to safeguarding democracy at 28th CSPOC
