The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continues to support institutional reform and good governance in Iraq in line with government priorities and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on building Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. In this context, UNDP organized a series of induction sessions in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, during November 2018 for new parliamentarians. The first phase of the induction programme included intensive three-day workshop for 50 MPs divided into two groups in cooperation with the office of the First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives and the Parliamentary Directorate.

Throughout the training sessions, Members of Parliament received practical guidance on parliamentary work and attend presentations and seminars on legislative and oversight processes, human rights, gender equality, SDGs and media relations. The MPs have an opportunity to meet members of Parliament Staff who have participated in the design of the programme and deliver part of the sessions. The results of the workshop was quite positive as the participated MPs responded with highly encouraging feedback. Also it was shown in their active participation and comments. At the conclusion, there was a strong request to be engaged in following workshops to strengthen their capacities to perform their functions more proactively.

The First Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives in his opening speech thanked UNDP on the implementation of the induction programme and emphasized that Iraqi Council of Representatives is seeking to establish the Iraqi Parliamentary Institute that will be the main entity for development inside the parliament.

At his opening remarks, Mr. Gerardo Noto – UNDP Country Director -, emphasized the commitment of UNDP to support the Iraqi Parliament and strengthen the institutional capacities of the Council of Representatives. He underlined the key role of Parliamentarians to strengthen citizen participation, transparency and building a peaceful society after years of violent conflict. He made clear remarks on the role of Parliament to advance and monitor the Development Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

This workshop for MPs is part of a four-phase induction programme which informs Members of Parliament about their legislative, and oversight role and their constitutional responsibilities. The rest of three phases are planned to be conducted on December of this year and January 2019.

For additional information, please contact:

Ms. Israa Mansour, Communications Assistant, (m): +964 772 260 0576