LocationsInduction Session for Nauru Parliamentarians Commences
June 28, 2023
MPs from the Parliament of Nauru alongside counterparts from across the Pacific following the opening session of the Nauru MP Induction Program.
Coral Coast, Fiji - Members of Nauru’s 24th Parliament are in Fiji this week for an induction program, aimed at strengthening the effective implementation of their constitutional mandate.
The two-day event promotes a peer-to-peer learning approach with delegates from Nauru being joined by members from the parliaments of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, New Zealand, and Victoria (Australia) to impart knowledge and share best practice from their respective legislatures.
This induction program is supported via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji through the Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance (NAIG) Project. The four-year project works to strengthen democratic institutions in Nauru by supporting the National Parliament and Nauru Electoral Commission in their roles ensuring effective, inclusive, and accountable political governance.
For some, a move into Parliament represents the fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration. For others, their transition within the legislative body is motivated by the simple desire to contribute and improve the wellbeing of their respective communities. Wherever one may sit on this spectrum, however, there is no ‘how-to’ guide for becoming a parliamentarian.
This induction program follows on from Nauru’s General Election of 2022.
The 19 members of Nauru’s Parliament (MPs) are elected from eight multi-member constituencies. The constituency of Yaren sees both of its seats held by women, with a key aspect of the NAIG Project focusing on increasing women’s representation and furthering inclusivity in politics.
UNDP remains committed to ensuring that parliaments across the region best reflect the populations they serve, with an increase in women across the democratic space contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Hon. Isabella Dageago – who represents Yaren – believes that women in Nauru are on the rise, adding that the induction program would alleviate some of the challenges she faced as a member of the house.
Hon. Isabella Dageago, one of two female MPs in Nauru’s Parliament.
“Even as a returning MP, the opportunity to further my knowledge and skills remains vital. I thank UNDP and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for this opportunity, allowing for the continued personal and professional development as members of our country’s parliament,” she said.
Kevin Petrini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for the North Pacific, added “Parliament plays a pivotal role as a catalyst for driving transformative change. As an elected member, you bear a significant responsibility in shaping national policies and legislation. This induction presents a unique opportunity for MPs in Nauru to enhance understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as well as bolster their capacity to effectively fulfill the duties associated with being elected representatives.”
In addition to the induction session, MPs will discuss the first ever draft Nauru Parliament Strategic Plan – with a view to seeing this endorsed for implementation – as well as undertake a review of Parliament’s Standing Orders. The parliamentary Standing Orders in Nauru have not been reviewed or updated since they were first established in 1968.
UNDP’s Nauru Accountable and Inclusive Governance Project is supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Nick Turner, Communications and Advocacy Specialist, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji. (P) +679 971 6458 - (E) nicholas.turner@undp.org
