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The Canadian Parliamentary Centre, through the African Parliamentary Poverty Reduction Network (APRN), has been actively supporting Parliaments and Parliamentarians as well as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) by undertaking programs to enhance their capacity for effective roles of oversight of public policy and development, particularly in areas of public accountability, transparency, budget oversight and national participation in the governance process. This is a worthy undertaking and a very significant contribution to the promotion/deepening of democratic governance in Africa, as well as in the fight against poverty. Indeed, it is a course which must be supported and given the necessary assistance by all who wish to see the back of poverty, particularly, in Africa. I am privileged to be elected to chair the executive committee of the Africa Parliamentary Poverty Reduction Network (APRN) at this time in the history of the continent when the awareness and drive for democratic governance is perceived to be attracting renewed interest and commitment. I take this opportunity to assure APRN members as well as the Canadian Parliamentary Centre that my colleagues and I on the executive committee will play a leading role in the development of the network and would work together to bring a great number of our colleague parliamentarians to the network. We will particularly provide guidance and advice on program development and activities as well as to engage in setting priorities for future direction of the network. Once again thank you for the confidence reposed in us. We look forward to a fruitful and productive working relationship.
Hon. William Okecho (Uganda) - Chairman
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It is increasingly becoming evident that the potential role that parliaments could play in addressing one of Africa’s greatest challenges – poverty – cannot be over emphasized. This is because democratic governance makes it obligatory that as legitimate representatives of the people, parliaments should be involved in enacting laws and policies that contribute positively to the development of a people. Domestic oversight of governmental actions is a crucial determinant to the success in the fight against poverty. For instance one of the challenges facing parliaments is how they can use their oversight responsibilities, influence on budget matters, and legislative leverage and to insist on delivery of commitments made to reduce poverty within the context of the poverty reduction strategies (PRS) of African countries.
APRO and the Learning Centre
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Parliamentary Centre
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