POPVOX Foundation’s Anne Meeker and Sirena Harrop reflect on AI, capacity gaps, and takeaways from Boston’s record-setting 50th anniversary summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

This edition explores the evolving role of parliamentary speakers worldwide, drawing on new Inter-Parliamentary Union data to profile today’s leaders. From Brazil’s leadership standoff to Syria’s upcoming elections, we also highlight global legislative modernization, plus fresh research tools, historic discoveries, and upcoming democracy-focused events.

A long overdue spotlight on Africa, highlighting legislative innovation, institutional reform, and how parliaments across the continent are embracing technology, collaboration, and new ways of serving constituents.

Celebrate World Parliament Day with some reflections from our Senior Fellow Beatriz Rey on how Congress became her window into human possibility and political imagination!

From Athens to Lisbon, this month’s Modern Parliament captures how legislatures are reimagining democracy for the digital age. Highlights include insights from the 4th Global Conference on Parliamentary Studies, Portugal’s democratic innovation map, and global examples of AI, citizen engagement, and research-policy integration reshaping how parliaments work.

Key takeaways from Brasília, a preview of the upcoming AFRIPAL conference, and highlights of AI-driven innovation in legislatures from Greece to Argentina.