Demo Finland was once again invited to participate in the Finnish Parliament and World Bank Institute’s seminar for parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from developing countries organized on 8.-10.5.2017.
This year’s theme was “parliaments’ role in building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions for sustainable development”. Around 30 participants from Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Tanzania and Zambia gathered to the Parliament of Finland in the spirit of peer-learning.
The Executive Director of Demo Finland, Anu Juvonen, was invited to discuss the World Development Report’s findings on the opening day of the seminar. The annual report published by the World Bank Institute explores the role of policy-making and governance in development.
In her speech, Juvonen highlighted the role of political parties in guaranteeing that the best policy initiatives are pushed forward, the voice of citizens is echoed in decision-making and that all groups and especially those that are traditionally marginalized can participate in politics. One of the key finding of this year’s report was that policies that are prepared in an inclusive manner are more likely to last than those prepared by small elites. Additionally, in those countries where political parties act based on party programs, public sector reforms succeed 30 % more likely than in countries where party programs are missing.
This year’s seminar was already the 17th of its kind at the Parliament of Finland. The seminars offer a good opportunity to highlight parliaments and politicians’ role in working for national and international development. At the same time, they are excellent opportunities for parliamentary peer-learning.
Image: World Bank Institute