Main Topics
The APKN Conference on Becoming Open and Learning Parliaments will focus on the following issues for discussions:
- Africa Parliamentary Knowledge Network: APKN provides a platform and opportunity for inter exchange of ideas and learning for African parliaments. It has the potential to increase inter parliamentary cooperation and enhance collaboration through building of common services, exchange of information and sharing of best practices. There is need to begin the discussion on both the structure (membership, roles & responsibilities, working modalities, etc.) and strategy (thematic groups work plans, partnership, etc.). The Conference will provide an unique opportunity to get both PAP-MPs and Secretary Generals/Clerks of Parliaments to discuss about the strategic options of APKN and provide input into developing relevant programmes and activities to be then finalised and endorsed at the APKN Plenary as well as identify mechanisms for parliaments to better engage with APKN.
- e-Parliaments: ICT Strategic Planning: ICTs planning must begin with the senior political leadership, who must initiate the planning process and review and approve the results, particularly the goals, objectives, and priorities for technology. The political leadership must also ensure that the resources provided are adequate to the tasks to be undertaken. Parliaments have a special nature that requires not only a sufficient number of highly competent technical staff, but also staff who can understand and work successfully in the legislative environment. Frameworks for ICT strategic planning, management and oversight will be presented and best practices on what has worked shared.
- Access to legislation in Africa: in the face of regional integration and the call for harmonised legislation it is important that laws become accessible online. Public legal information are also part of the common heritage of humanity that should become a digital common property accessible to all free of charge in order to support justice and the rule of law. Parliaments are in the ideal position to foster synergies to maximize and coordinate the initiatives, expertises and tools in order to promote in Africa free online access to legislation
developed and hosted by