Inclusive political processes

Although there is significant variation between countries, levels of political freedom, openness and accountability in the Europe and Central Asia region are a challenge. The region has seen improvement, and this positive trend is expected to continue with extensive reforms processes underway in many countries.

For many countries in the region, the political and regulatory environment for civil society remains difficult, and in several countries is becoming increasingly hostile. Despite generally high levels of education and employment levels of women, across the region they continue to be denied access to positions of power and/or leadership, through both active and passive discrimination.

Establishing stronger and more inclusive political processes leads to increased participation and political influence of citizens, more accountable governments and institutions, and stronger, more inclusive societies.

Given how diverse the countries of the Europe and Central Asia region are, UNDP adapts its approach depending on local needs and conditions. Our work includes:

• Expanding and protecting spaces for citizen participation in political and public life, with a special focus on discriminated and marginalized groups;
• Building the capacities of national parliaments and local assemblies, their Members and Secretariats to successfully carry out their constitutional, law-making, oversight and representation mandates;
• Strengthening civil society capacities and skills to act as intermediaries in political advocacy, representation and engagement in political processes;
• Advocating for and facilitating the involvement of women in political processes, from electoral processes to decision-making positions.

Expanding civic space

Civic engagement involves members of society influencing public processes. When civic engagement is high, individuals and communities can air their grievances, identify and address issues of concern, thereby preventing escalations into violence.

Recent years have witnessed significant changes in civil society, exemplified by innovative new actors, the disruptive role of technology, the challenge of ensuring sustainability in a time of financing constraints, and civil society’s attempts to reclaim legitimacy. The civic sphere is also being reenergized by dynamic and fluid new forms of grassroots organizations, which are creating new pockets of civil society.

UNDP promotes the full and meaningful participation of all groups in political and public life. We work to promote agency for those experiencing exclusion, such as religious and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and the LGBTI community. Civil society is a key partner in UNDP’s efforts to stimulate civic engagement.

UNDP works to widen the civic space by:

• promoting an environment that encourages civic engagement and supports the important role of citizens, communities and civil society, including that of new informal actors and grassroots organizations;
• bringing together civil society actors to share knowledge and open new opportunities for collaboration and engaging citizens, using innovative methods and tools; and
• establishing and maintaining meaningful dialogue and platforms that bring together civil society with the government, media and other stakeholders, including digital spaces that promote monitoring and advocacy.

Parliamentary development

Parliaments have crucial constitutional mandates in relation to law-making, oversight and representation, and as such play a critical role in advancing sustainable development. They provide an important forum for diverse parts of society to engage in policymaking, express their views, voice concerns and demand accountability.

In the Europe and Central Asia region, steps are required to reform and improve the functioning of parliaments, making them more representative, open, and accountable. Political life remains heavily dominated by male influence and networks, while women face restricted access to formal influential positions and informal networks.

Effective political institutions, such as parliaments and political parties, are central to advancing strong systems of democratic governance.

UNDP works to strength these institutions by:

• boosting efforts to reform and improve parliaments and local assemblies, making them more representative, open and accountable;
• delivering trainings and building skills among parliamentarians and their secretariats on legislative scrutiny, gender equality and international human rights obligations; and
• enhancing parliamentary transparency, using new technologies, tools and capacities in data, budgeting and finance.