Project background

Strong parliaments are essential to democracy, accountability, and sustainable development. Yet weak institutions, limited citizen participation, unequal representation, gender disparities, and capacity constraints continue to challenge governance in Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

The Strengthening PNG's Parliament Project, implemented by UNDP with funding from the Australian Government through DFAT, supports the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea and the Bougainville House of Representatives (BHoR) to become more effective, accountable, inclusive, and resilient institutions. By strengthening Parliament's legislative, oversight, and representative functions, the project helps ensure that laws and policies respond to citizens' needs, government actions are held accountable, and diverse voices are reflected in decision-making.

Expected Impact

Stronger democratic institutions, more responsive governance, and sustainable development for Papua New Guinea and Bougainville.

What We Do

• Strengthen Legislative Processes: Improve the quality of legislation and evidence-based decision-making through stronger procedures, legislative scrutiny, research services, and institutional reform.
• Strengthen Parliamentary Oversight: Support parliamentary committees to conduct effective inquiries, public hearings, and scrutiny of government policies, programmes, and public expenditure.
• Increase Citizen Engagement: Expand public participation through consultations, outreach activities, livestreaming, and digital platforms that make Parliament more accessible and transparent.
• Advance Gender Equality and Inclusion: Promote women's leadership and participation through support to the GEWE Committee, the Joint Parliamentary Women's Caucus, and gender-responsive parliamentary processes.
• Modernise Parliamentary Services: Enhance parliamentary administration, committee support, research, communications, and ICT systems to improve institutional performance.
• Support Electoral Transition and Continuity: Strengthen institutional preparedness through induction programmes, knowledge management, digital archiving, and transition planning for the 2027 elections.

Results at a Glance

Since 2022, the project has:

•    Delivered 150+ parliamentary activities across Papua New Guinea and Bougainville;
•    Engaged 2,000+ participants, with near gender parity;
•    Strengthened 10+ parliamentary committees;
•    Supported 40+ public hearings and committee inquiries;
•    Generated 200+ committee recommendations;
•    Supported the Joint Parliamentary Women's Caucus;
•    Introduced legislative and post-legislative scrutiny approaches;
•    Expanded livestreaming and digital access to parliamentary proceedings; and
•    Strengthened parliamentary ICT systems, outreach, and information management.

Key Information

Status: Active

Duration: 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2027

Location: Papua New Guinea and Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Focus Areas: Democratic Governance, Parliamentary Strengthening, Gender Equality, Citizen Engagement, Accountability and Inclusion

Beneficiaries: National Parliament of Papua New Guinea, Bougainville House of Representatives, parliamentary staff, oversight institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens

Partners: National Parliament of Papua New Guinea, Bougainville House of Representatives

Donor: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Implementing Partner: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Budget: USD 9.48 million

Contact

Irina Pruidze
Chief Technical Adviser
Email: Irina.pruidze@undp.org
Tel: +675 321 2877 (218)