Advancing Parliamentary Accountability in Crisis Contexts
Parliaments globally have the important responsibility of engaging in effective oversight of government actions through inclusive representation and informed policymaking. In crisis contexts, these responsibilities are even more critical.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to require governments to deliver resources to impacted and underserved citizens. Additionally, with growing threats from climate change and global conflicts, governments everywhere will inevitably be confronted by crises, and must be prepared to support citizen security and recovery in those times of need.
As the representative branch of the government, parliaments remain on the front lines in ensuring resources reach citizens during a crisis in a timely manner.
In this session, organised with the National Democratic Institute as part of the AGORA Parliamentary Development Community of Practice, members of parliament, citizen groups, and experts, will convene to discuss the issue of “parliamentary accountability” as it relates to crisis contexts.
Specifically, the issue will be explored through three key themes:
- foundations and globally-upheld norms in parliamentary accountability good practices;
- parliament’s role in maintaining accountability of government service delivery in a crisis;
- mechanisms that ensure parliament remains accountable to its core mandates to ensure effective action in crisis contexts.
The session will be conducted primarily in English. Some presentations may be offered in a speaker’s host language with interpretation available for participants. Participants may also request the translation of program materials following the session.