Parliamentary Development in Asia and the Pacific

The Asia and the Pacific region is one of the most diverse regions of the world. Over the past two decades, considerable progress has been witnessed in the evolution of democratic systems and processes in the region, including recent dynamic developments in East Timor and Afghanistan.

In keeping with this trend toward greater democratization, UNDP has intensified its support to parliamentary development in its countries of coverage in the Asia-Pacific. Globally one in three parliaments are supported in some fashion by UNDP; in the Asia-Pacific parliamentary support initiatives are found in at least 14 countries—a growing indicator over the past 3-5 years.

UNDP’s support to parliament varies according to differing country contexts and demands and needs of each institution. UNDP recognizes that parliament is a critical forum though which peoples’ concerns are voiced needs accommodated, and different interests mediated though the process of deliberative law and policymaking. UNDP parliamentary development initiatives therefore comprise activities that aim in general to enhance the representative, legislative and oversight capacity and functions of representative institutions and their representatives, and in doing so strengthening a key institution of governance.

Technical, Capacity Development and Policy Advisory Support generally covers the following: Constitutional Reform and Support for Institutional Frameworks; Capacity Building for Members and their Staff; Institutional Development; Gender Initiatives; Working with Civil Society and the Media; Strengthening of Political Parties; Policy Development and Civic Education

UNDP’s activities at the country level are complemented by regional programme interventions, ranging from cross comparative and cross country policy research, advocacy, knowledge-sharing, networking and pilot testing. In the Asia-Pacific region, regional parliamentary support and activities are funded by the UNDP Asia Regional Governance Programme (ARGP). The ARGP currently focuses on strengthening parliamentary networks, encouraging learning and cross-fertilization of ideas and innovations, conducting regional research and engaging in training and capacity development.  Main outputs of the ARGP in 2005-2006 are:

• Comparative Study of Knowledge Research Services for Parliaments
• Integrity Systems and Codes of Conduct for Parliaments
• Parliaments Role in Conflict Prevention and Post Conflict Recovery
• Political Party Dialogue and Capacity Development and
• Parliamentary Oversight and the Achievement of the MDGs.