The First Joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference opened on Thursday in Lahore, bringing together parliamentary representatives from across the region to discuss governance challenges and strengthen regional cooperation.

Delivering the inaugural address, Hon. Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, emphasised the role of parliamentarians in upholding democratic principles, highlighting transparency, accountability, and media freedom as fundamental pillars of good governance. He stressed the importance of open dialogue in maintaining institutional integrity and ensuring the free flow of information.

"As we embark on this conference, let us seize this opportunity to exchange experiences and explore solutions that strengthen our democratic institutions, uphold media freedom, and reinforce governance. The work we do here can drive meaningful change—not just within our own nations, but across the region," Hon. Nazim stated.

Hon. Nazim addressed several pressing issues affecting democracies, including the rise of populism, misinformation, and threats to democratic norms. He called for collective action to counter these challenges, stressing that strong governance frameworks and regional collaboration are essential in addressing them effectively.

In addition to political concerns, he pointed to economic disparities, security threats, and the impact of globalisation as broader issues affecting governance in the region. He urged policymakers to adopt inclusive and cooperative approaches rather than isolationist policies.

"We live in an interconnected world where political, economic, and social challenges transcend national borders. Isolationist policies are no longer viable. We must embrace dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and foster multilateral engagement to build a more resilient future," he said.

The conference saw participation from senior officials and parliamentarians across Asia and South-East Asia. Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, attended alongside Hon. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and Hon. Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. Representatives from Zambia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and other member states were also present, reflecting a collective commitment to strengthening regional cooperation.

Hon. Nazim concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude to the Punjab Government, the Provincial Assembly, and the people of Lahore, acknowledging their hospitality and support in hosting the event.

The conference, which runs from February 6 - 10, will continue with high-level discussions and collaborative sessions, focusing on strengthening partnerships and developing actionable strategies to address shared regional challenges.