In the debut episode of The Diplomatic Brief, host Theo Clarke sits down with Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), to explore the evolving role of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an organisation that supports the parliaments of member countries and promotes good governance, democracy, and political participation.

Ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Theo and Stephen discuss the issues shaping the international agenda, including democratic resilience, climate change, artificial intelligence, opportunities for women and young people, and the future of multilateral cooperation. The episode explores why the Commonwealth remains a unique diplomatic forum, bringing together nations large and small to build consensus, share expertise, and strengthen democratic institutions.

Drawing on his experience as a former UK Member of Parliament, and Chair of the International Development Committee, Twigg reflects on the power of diplomacy, the value of consensus-building, and the lessons international leaders can learn from the Commonwealth's approach to cooperation. ​

Whether you're interested in international relations, geopolitics, parliamentary democracy, global governance, the climate debate, or the future of multilateral institutions, this episode is a present-day look at how international cooperation can help address the challenges of the 21st century

BIOGRAPHIES

Stephen Twigg is Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). He took up the post on 1 August 2020 as the 8th Secretary-General. The CPA was founded in 1911, and is the Parliamentary wing of the Commonwealth, with branches in around 180 parliaments and legislatures.

Before the CPA, Stephen spent nearly two decades in the House of Commons as a Labour MP. He represented Enfield Southgate from 1997 to 2005, where he served as Minister for Schools, and Liverpool West Derby from 2010 to 2019. He served as Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, was Shadow Education Secretary from 2011 to 2013, and chaired the International Development Select Committee from 2015 to 2019.

Theo Clarke (host) is CEO of the Wilton Park Foundation, podcaster, bestselling author and former Member of Parliament. She served as Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Departments for Education, Business and Trade and HM Treasury, and was appointed as a Trade Envoy for the UK Prime Minister. She is currently also Vice-Chair of the United Nations Association UK.

Useful links:

CHOGM 2026: https://thecommonwealth.org/chogm-2026

Wilton Park Foundation: https://www.wiltonparkfoundation.co.uk

Wilton Park: https://www.wiltonpark.org.uk

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association: https://www.cpahq.org/about-us/

Executive produced by Theo Clarke and edited by Podcast Pioneers for Wilton Park Foundation.

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