This paper looks at the critical role Parliaments play in post-conflict economic reconstruction (including Poverty Reduction Strategy Processes –PRSP- and Millennium Development Goals –MDGs-). Poverty and conflict are inter-related; and Parliaments are well positioned to minimize their escalation. Through the performance of its core functions of representation, legislation, political and budgetary oversight; Parliaments can assure that all relevant societal groups are included in and benefit from the nation-building and development exercise, and that government policies and budgets are implemented in an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable manner.