LocationsUNDP join hands with Thai Parliament to promote public engagement to mark the International Day of Parliamentarism
June 29, 2022
UNDP Thailand and the Thai Parliament jointly organised a hybrid event, entitled “Enhancing Public Engagement in the Work of the Thai Parliament” on 30th June to celebrate the World Parliamentarism Day.
Bangkok, 30 June 2022: Every year, 30 June marks the International Day of Parliamentarism, a day for parliaments and parliamentarians to reflect on their mandate, commit to public engagement, and reflect on how to work more closely with underrepresented or marginalized groups, including women and youth. The day also offers an opportunity to consider whether parliaments are contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are adopting new technologies and innovative methods to evolve with the times.
To commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism and highlight long-established partnerships, such as the relationship with the International Organization of Parliaments (IPU), this 30 June 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Thai Parliament jointly organised a hybrid event, entitled “Enhancing Public Engagement in the Work of the Thai Parliament” to discuss the importance of meaningful public engagement by parliament, and develop a future public engagement strategy.
The event brought together Members of the House of Representatives, senators, UNDP experts, civil society members and vulnerable groups to discuss and exchange views on how to realize better public engagement for parliamentary work. They were joined in these crucial exchanges by representatives of two groups at risk of being left behind, namely the LGBTI and ethnic minority groups, to formulate possible actions to increase access and inclusion of these vulnerable groups in the work of the Thai Parliament.
Some of these conversations were based on the UNDP handbook, ‘Advancing the Human Rights and Inclusion of LGBTI People,' a revised versions of which was recently launched to encourage concrete and meaningful actions to promote the rights of individuals, particularly LGBTI people, in parliamentary work.
Pornpith Phetcharoen, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives
“Every year, the 30th of June marks the International Day of Parliamentarianism. The Third Parliamentary Report presented last May under the theme “Public Engagement Through the Work of Parliament,” emphasizes the need to support public engagement on challenging global issues through strengthened legislative mechanisms. Climate change, inequality, poverty, and food security challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted the advancement of the Agenda 2030, especially SDG 16 which relates to peace, justice, and strong institutions.” said, Pornpith Phetcharoen, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives.
Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand
“Our commitment to strengthen public engagement will continue beyond this event. It is critical to constantly promote and support the active participation of citizens from all sectors of society, and in particular from those groups that are too often deprived of voice and platforms to express their aspirations and fulfill their rights. Parliament is the house of democracy and should offer opportunities for all to influence legislation, budget allocations and exercise accountability on the executive branch of Government. Such action will foster the achievement of the SDGs and the human rights that are at the core of these goals.” said Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand.
1st Panel Discussion on "Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in the Work of The Thai Parliament: LGBTI"
2nd Panel Discussion on "Advancing Accessibility and Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups in the Work of The Thai Parliament: Ethnic Minority"
Just last month, UNDP together with IPU launched the Third Global Parliamentary Report (GPR). The report examines public engagement and participation in the work of parliament. It recognises that parliaments play a critical role in addressing the challenges of today’s fast changing world by allowing people to engage with and participate in the law-making, policy formulation and oversight processes that impact their lives now and their future
“Public engagement by parliaments is a fundamental requirement, not a choice. Not only is it mutually beneficial for parliaments, parliamentarians, and their constituencies, it allows parliaments access to the breadth and depth of information and ideas that are needed for representation, law-making, public policy formulation, and oversight to meet the expectations and aspirations of the community,” said Charles Chauvel, UNDP Global Lead on Inclusive Processes, and Institutions.
Charles Chauvel, UNDP Global Lead on Inclusive Processes, and Institutions.
“The Thai Parliament and the United Nations Development Programme will work together to promote sustainable development in various dimensions, including gender equality and public participation under the provisions of the Thai Constitution to ensure our continued collaboration towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, said Nattacha Boonchaiinsawat, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Political Development, Mass Communication, and Public Participation.
UNDP will continue to support the Thai Parliament in promoting public engagement for sustainable development on issues such as gender equality and public participation to ensure that the “Leave No One Behind” agenda is included in the work of the Thai parliament as well as in the oversight of the implementation of Agenda 2030 in Thailand.
Read Press Release in Thai here.
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For more Information, please contact:
Aticha Chaivichian, Partnership & Engagement Analyst
Email: aticha.chaivichian@undp.org
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