LocationsTo date, 230 including 36 female participants including parliamentarians, civil servants, local government leaders and civil society representatives have attended the course
Supporting parliamentarians to link legislative works with policies
August 6, 2024
Members of the National Assembly and secretariat officials are attending a five-day workshop on Social Policy
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
Paro July 30, 2024: To support parliamentarians better comprehend and articulate the necessity for social policy within the ambit of their legislative mandate, the members of the National Assembly and secretariat officials are attending a five-day workshop on Social Policy.
Social Policy is an area that covers policies and programmes aimed at preventing or protecting all people against poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion throughout their lifetime, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable groups.
Participants during the session.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
Organised jointly by Sherubtse College, UNDP and UNICEF, the workshop covers conceptual understanding of policy analysis; importance of data and use of information for development of evidence-based policies and strategic decisions. Sessions also focus on understanding the importance of placing children at the centre of social and economic policy making and recognize the criticalness of effective communication and negotiation skills for successful leadership and influencing social policies.
The Opposition Leader extending his gratitude to the organizers and the participants during the conclusion event.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
Within the scope of the Parliament's role, the course also includes sessions on public engagement, transforming governance by adopting agile, and foresight driven anticipatory governance mechanisms that will ensure a fit for purpose parliament in Bhutan.
The social policy workshop was hosted by Sherubte College, Royal University of Bhutan, UNICEF and UNDP Bhutan.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
UNICEF Bhutan Representative Andrea James, said “the workshop aims to enhance the understanding of parliamentarians on social issues and link legislative work with policies so that children and the most vulnerable in the society are at the center of all decision-making processes.”
Led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, 20 members of parliament (1 female) and three secretariat officials (1 female) are attending the workshop from 29 July – 2nd August. This is the eighth cohort of Social Policy Course participants, bringing the total to 230 (36 female) and includes parliamentarians, civil servants, local government leaders and civil society representatives.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Khurshid Alam at the closing of the workshop.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
In the current global context of poly- crisis, the roles of the members are expanding even more to be well informed not just about national issues and challenges but also international trends. This will help to position the Parliament to be future ready and navigate the complexities that come in decision and policy making in today’s world," said Khurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative.
This is the eighth cohort of Social Policy Course participants, bringing the total to 230 participants.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
Dean of Academic Affairs at Sherubtse College, Sonam Dendup, said, “We are pleased to be part of this initiative to contribute to the development of enhanced responsive policy making, fostering education and learning and be part of creating a community that is more informed and engaged.”
Participants being awarded certificates after the workshop.
UNDP Bhutan/Norbu Choksum Zangmo
Initially launched with support from external resource persons, today the course is co-created and facilitated by lecturers of Sherubtse College, representatives from the National Council, Ministry of Finance, the National Statistics Bureau, the Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies, UNDP, and UNICEF Bhutan.
For more information:
Media Contact: Ms Norbu Choksum Zangmo, Communications Consultant | Email: norbu.zangmo@undp.org
