ParlAmericas

Published purpose

This project aims to strengthen democratic governance in Latin America and the Caribbean by increasing the ability of elected officials in the region to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. The project supports an integrated program aimed at increasing the practical skills and knowledge of parliamentarians so that they can effectively carry out their parliamentary functions and contribute to policymaking related to issues of both national and regional importance. Activities include: (1) providing training programs, peer-to-peer exchanges (involving regional and Canadian parliamentarians), and mentorship programs to improve the abilities of parliamentarians and senior staffers to carry out their functions; (2) conducting topical workshops, briefing sessions with relevant agencies of the Organization of American States, and supporting participation in annual conferences to strengthen parliamentarians' knowledge of key regional issues and mechanisms; and (3) promoting cooperation between parliamentarians and citizens, through dialogue sessions with civil society groups and workshops on effective mechanisms for engaging with citizens and civil society groups.