LocationsNauru Hosts Regional Dialogue on Advancing Parliamentary Autonomy
July 9, 2025
Nauru Parliament
Yaren, Nauru - From 8 to 10 July, the Republic of Nauru hosted the 54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC), bringing together 45 delegates from 17 Pacific parliaments under the theme: “Independent Parliaments, Strengthening Democracy: The Power of Parliamentary Autonomy in the Pacific Region.”
The event, convened by the Parliament of Nauru with support from the Australian Government (DFAT), the New Zealand Government (MFAT), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office through the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG) Project, highlights the critical role of parliamentary autonomy in strengthening democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance across the Pacific.
Participating legislatures include the Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, New Zealand, and Australia’s federal and state parliaments (ACT, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales).
54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference delegates from 17 Pacific parliaments.
The POCC offered a critical platform for peer-to-peer learning and regional dialogue, where parliaments across diverse contexts can exchange experiences and strategies. For many in the region, challenges such as limited institutional capacity, resource constraints, and executive-legislative balance are shared. Advancing parliamentary independence and autonomy remains a priority for ensuring resilient and accountable democratic institutions.
Speaker of the Nauru Parliament, the Hon. Marcus Stephen, opened the event by reflecting on Nauru’s own journey toward autonomy:
“Nauru is proud to be the first Parliament in the Pacific to achieve full parliamentary autonomy through the Parliamentary Service Act 2020,” he said. “Autonomy is not the destination—it is the foundation. Through collaboration and shared learning, we turn that foundation into real capacity and meaningful service.”
54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference.
Key sessions over the three-day conference include discussions on strengthening legislative oversight, financial independence, effective parliamentary administration, and the role of parliaments in democratic resilience.
In a statement, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific Kevin Petrini underscored the significance of the gathering:
“The POCC reflects the Pacific’s shared commitment to building effective, transparent, and inclusive parliaments. UNDP is proud to support this important platform through the NAIG Project, and to walk alongside partners in their efforts to strengthen democratic governance.”
The NAIG Project is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Parliament of Nauru and funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. It aims to build the capacity of the Parliament and promote inclusive, accountable institutions through policy support, systems strengthening, and civic engagement.
Delegates from Fiji at the 54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference.
The 54th POCC also marks a special milestone: 28 years since Nauru last hosted the event in 1997. Against this backdrop, the conference not only honours tradition—it sets the tone for the future, where empowered legislatures continue to lead on behalf of their people and communities.
For more information:
Nicholas Turner, Strategic Communications and Advocacy Specialist | UNDP Pacific Office | (E) nicholas.turner@undp.org
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