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Modernizing Parliaments, Strengthening Democracy and Public Trust: Reflections from the 48th CPA CAA Regional Conference

September 4, 2026 | Activity

Large diverse group of professionals in suits and dresses pose on marble stairs in a bright atrium, wearing event badges.
Photo Credit: Parliament of Jamaica

As parliaments across the Caribbean and the wider Americas navigate rapid technological, social, and institutional transformations, their ability to adapt effectively is becoming increasingly important. Digital tools, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and new forms of public engagement are reshaping parliamentary work, raising new questions about institutional capacity, governance, and the responsible use of technology.

At the same time, these changes present an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions. As emphasized throughout the Conference by its host, The Most Honourable Juliet Holness, Speaker of the Parliament of Jamaica and Chair of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, modernization is not simply about adopting new technologies. It is about ensuring that parliamentary institutions remain accessible, transparent, responsive, and capable of serving citizens effectively. At its core, this work is about reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions by making parliamentary processes more open, understandable, and connected to the lives of the people they serve. For many smaller legislatures operating with limited resources, digital transformation can help expand institutional capacity, improve public access to parliamentary information, and bring the work of parliament closer to the people it represents.

These themes framed discussions at the 48th Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, held in Jamaica from August 31 to September 4, which brought together parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from across the region to explore how parliamentary institutions can build the capabilities needed to navigate a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Alongside the Regional Conference, dedicated meetings of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), the Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference, and a virtual sitting of the Regional Youth Parliament provided important spaces for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of good practices to strengthen democratic institutions throughout the region.

As part of these discussions, Alisha Todd, Director General of ParlAmericas, shared perspectives from ParlAmericas’ regional work and exchanged experiences and good practices with Caribbean parliamentarians and parliamentary officials, further strengthening relationships and collaboration with member parliaments across the region. Through contributions to discussions on artificial intelligence, including the development of regional approaches to its governance, professional development for parliamentary officials, and the use of digital technologies in committees, Director General Todd emphasized that successful parliamentary modernization is not defined by technology itself, but by how institutions govern, adapt to, and use these tools in service of democracy. This requires sustained investment in people, continuous learning for parliamentary staff, and governance frameworks that promote accountability, transparency, and responsible innovation. Director General Todd also highlighted the importance of considering AI’s environmental footprint alongside its potential benefits, encouraging a holistic approach to the governance and deployment of emerging technologies.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of ensuring that parliaments understand how artificial intelligence is governed, exercise effective oversight, and carefully consider how these tools are deployed within their own institutions. Participants emphasized the value of regional cooperation in addressing shared governance challenges and exchanging approaches as technologies continue to evolve. For Caribbean parliaments, this includes ensuring that digital and AI solutions are responsive to regional realities and priorities, safeguard data protection and cybersecurity, support digital sovereignty, and advance commitments to fostering more equal and just societies.

Participants also reflected on the broader democratic implications of rapid technological change. While digital tools can expand participation and improve access to information, they can also contribute to growing challenges such as misinformation, political polarization, online harassment, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence. During the CWP meeting, particular concern was expressed regarding the disproportionate targeting of women in political life, which can discourage participation, undermine representative democracy, and weaken efforts to build more inclusive institutions. Addressing these challenges requires not only innovation, but also effective governance, oversight, and a commitment to protecting democratic values in digital spaces.

Looking ahead, these issues will continue to shape ParlAmericas’ work with the CPA and other international partners in support of parliamentary institutions across the region. Through its parliamentary networks, peer exchanges, technical assistance, and practical resources, ParlAmericas supports parliamentarians and parliamentary officials in learning from one another, sharing good practices, and adapting them to their institutional contexts.

Discussions in Jamaica reinforced that the future of parliamentary modernization depends on more than the adoption of new tools. It requires institutions that are equipped to govern technology responsibly, adapt to emerging risks, invest in their people, and collaborate in addressing shared challenges. As parliaments navigate the opportunities and disruptions created by artificial intelligence and other digital technologies, success will ultimately be measured not by the technologies adopted, but by whether they strengthen democratic governance, enhance public trust, and bring parliaments closer to the people they serve.

  • Group of diverse officials in formal attire standing on a stage with flags behind them, Jamaica 2026 banner above.
  • Woman on stage speaking into a microphone, gesturing with her hands while addressing an audience.
  • Six adults in colorful formal attire pose together at a reception, wearing event badges, with a table and wine glasses in the foreground.
  • Diverse group of professionals on a stairway posing for a group photo in a bright office setting.
  • Panel discussion with three speakers at a conference table; center woman smiles, flanked by two men, microphones and nameplates visible (Ms. Alisha Todd).
Photo Credit: Parliament of Jamaica