block of nations to operate a world economic sys- tem that effectively penalizes emerging and devel- oping nations. Furthermore, I suggest that we should strengthen
our CPA networks so that we can exploit the poten- tial in terms of new trade relationships and the shar- ing of economic and parliamentary intelligence. Creating greater unity within the CPA will also enhance our educational, social and democratic devel- opment work. During my visit to the CPA Secretariat in early November, I had the pleasant opportunity to visit the U.K. Branch in the Houses of Parliament. In both meetings,I was impressed by the level of com- mitment from Members and officers to secure the early delivery of practical programmes of action. In this same vein,I want to express my particular
concern to see that we respond with ever greater urgency to the advancement of women in our par- liamentary democracies – and I welcome the first column in this issue from the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians – and to our educational programmes for young people and parliamentary support staff. These important developments will be immea-
surably enhanced if we can create improved collab- orative action and a more unified sense of purpose. This process of enhancement needs the active par- ticipation and input from Members and branches
across our Association. To this end, I have asked the Secretary-General and his staff to seek new and innovative ways in which we can further exploit the expertise, wis- dom and experience of our membership.The shar- ing of this expertise and experience and inter- branch collaboration will not only bring the bene- fits of greater unity, but it will also leverage our influence in world affairs. I appreciate that what I am suggesting will
require additional work and innovative thinking at a time beset with many problems. But perhaps it is those problems that challenge us to find new and better ways of ensuring that the parliamentary sys- tem of government can not only respond to the current crises and a new world order but also can do so in a spirit of unity and common purpose. It is my earnest hope that fellow Parliamentarians will, through their branches, come forward and share ideas and experiences that will add even more value to the work of the CPA. Time is not on our side. If we are to fulfill the potential of our diversity and the unity that I out- lined above, then we need to act now and we need to act together with resolute pragmatism. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish all Members season’s greetings and a happy and successful New Year for 2009.