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Advancing Democracy, Parliamentary Accountability and Inclusive Development
The Democracy Programme has been an ongoing initiative of the Khan Foundation since
1993 and has evolved over the years to promote democratic values, civic participation, good
governance, and accountable institutions in Bangladesh.
In that year KF organized an International Parliamentarians Conferences with UN Global
Parliamentary Assembly (PGA) members on Democracy & Development to strengthening
Parliamentary Practice. Since then KF has been involved with pre, during and post activities
of International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the long and
elaborated process continued till ICPD+10 Cairo conference.
The International Parliamentarians Conference on Democracy and Development was held in
Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 4–5 December 1993. Convened by Parliamentarians for Global
Action (PGA) and the Khan Foundation, the conference brought together approximately 80
parliamentarians from 16 countries across party line to discuss key challenges and
opportunities for promoting democracy and development, particularly in developing countries
in Asia. The conference addressed parliamentary responsibilities, free and fair elections,
ethnic and religious reconciliation, parliamentary support, and the empowerment of
grassroots communities.
The International Parliamentarians' Conferences project brings together elected
representatives, policymakers, and legislative leaders from across the region and beyond to
exchange knowledge, build consensus, and strengthen legislative action on shared developme
nt priorities. Through highlevel dialogues, plenary sessions, and working group discussions,
the conferences create a platform for parliamentarians to engage directly with experts, civil
society, and development partners on pressing issues affecting their constituencies.
Strengthening parliamentary institutions, free and fair elections and grassroots participation
Strengthen the role and responsibilities of parliamentarians.
Promote free and fair elections as a foundation of democratic governance.
Support the development of effective and independent electoral institutions.
Strengthen parliamentary institutions and the parliamentary process.
Promote accountability of the executive to the legislature.
Encourage reconciliation of ethnic and religious differences.
Strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level.
Promote greater participation of disadvantaged and marginalized communities in political life.
The conference aimed to advance discussion and cooperation on the key institutional and social foundations of democracy and development, with particular attention to developing countries in Asia.
A shared commitment to democratic institutions, elections and citizen participation
Greater emphasis on the importance of free and fair elections.
Recognition of the need for independent national electoral commissions.
Increased attention to parliamentary institutional development.
Emphasis on parliamentary accountability and oversight of the executive.
Recognition of the importance of reconciliation among ethnic and religious communities.
Commitment to empowering grassroots communities.
Emphasis on the political participation and protection of disadvantaged populations.
International parliamentary support and exchange of democratic experiences.
The conference resulted in a shared statement emphasizing the importance of democratic institutions, free and fair elections, parliamentary accountability, reconciliation, and empowerment of grassroots communities. The participants also endorsed the need for stronger parliamentary and electoral institutions in developing countries.
Parliamentary accountability, electoral reform and inclusive participation
Parliamentary capacity and institutional strengthening.
Promotion of free and fair elections.
Support for independent electoral commissions.
Strengthening parliamentary oversight and accountability.
Encouraging responsible political leadership.
Promoting reconciliation of ethnic and religious differences.
Empowering grassroots communities.
Encouraging effective citizen participation in political life.
The conference focused on institutional and participatory interventions needed to strengthen democracy, including support to parliaments, independent electoral institutions, accountable government, social reconciliation and grassroots empowerment.
Sharing experiences and strengthening democratic institutions
Convening an international conference in Dhaka.
Bringing together approximately 80 parliamentarians from 16 countries.
Discussing the roles and responsibilities of parliamentarians.
Examining challenges related to free and fair elections.
Discussing the need for independent and effective electoral institutions.
Addressing ethnic and religious differences and national reconciliation.
Discussing support and institutional development for parliaments.
Exploring ways to strengthen democratic roots and grassroots participation.
The conference provided an international platform for parliamentarians to exchange experiences and discuss practical challenges related to democracy, parliamentary governance, elections, social inclusion and development.
Strengthening democratic institutions and grassroots participation
Parliamentarians from participating countries.
National legislatures and parliamentary institutions.
Citizens and voters.
Grassroots communities.
Disadvantaged and economically marginalized populations.
Ethnic and religious communities.
The immediate participants and beneficiaries were parliamentarians from 16 countries, while the broader beneficiaries were citizens and grassroots communities who would benefit from stronger democratic institutions, accountable governance and meaningful political participation.
