Perhaps more than ever, we see a range of reports identifying high levels of citizen disenchantment with democratic institutions. Many factors impact different nations to different extents. These include a lack of political literacy, low satisfaction or trust in politicians and governments, and the increase in complex governance arrangements that can risk a lack of transparency.

The word ‘democracy’ itself derives from the Greek words dēmokratia, from dēmos ‘thepeople’ and kratia meaning ‘power or rule’. At its heart, democracy is about giving people a say in the decisions that affect them.

By developing outreach, engagement and education activities that sit at the heart of our strategic planning, Parliaments can find inclusive ways to open up our processes, engage citizens in decision making, and educate young people who will become the future of our democracies.