Baghdad, 20 December 2018 – The United Nations Development Programme UNDP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Iraqi Council of Representatives to provide a framework of cooperation and strengthen the Parliament capacities to perform its legislative, overseeing and representational functions and become more responsive to the citizens. The MOU includes collaboration to establish the Iraqi Parliamentary Institute and provide technical support to capacity development, promote transparency, citizen and women participation and monitoring SDGs.

the First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Mr. Hassan Al Ka’abi said at the signing ceremony: “The establishment of the Iraqi Parliamentary Institute is considered as a first stage for future collaboration that may include working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, empowering Iraqi women, and supporting youth, signing of this MOU will open a common ground for cooperation between the Iraqi Parliament and UNDP in various levels”.

UNDP Resident Representative a.i Mr. Gerardo Noto emphasized that “This MOU will reinforce the partnership between the CoR and UNDP to strengthen MPs capacities for a more effective and participatory Parliament to legislate and monitor policies to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. It also joints efforts for the establishment of the Iraqi Parliamentary Institute, an important strategic step for the Iraqi Council of Representatives to enhance its performance. It is important to underline the commitment of the current CoR leadership to strengthen the Parliament as well as the renewed confidence on the partnership with UNDP, the largest global implementer of parliamentary assistance – providing support to one third of parliaments worldwide”.

For additional information, please contact:

Ms. Israa Mansour, Communications Assistant, (m): +964 772 260 0576