UNDP Uzbekistan

A one-day seminar-training has been held in Urgench city by the project of UNDP “Parliamentary Development Assistance” in April 19, 2011 for members of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan from Khorezm region and Republic of Karakalpakstan on "Issues of enhancing the parliamentary oversight functions over state executive bodies".

The current seminar-training was developed on the basis of the speech on "Modernization of the country and building a strong civil society - our top priority” by head of state at the joint session of Oliy Majlis, dated January 27, 2010 and his "Concept of further deepening of democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country” dated November 12, 2010, aiming further strengthening and improving the activities of both Chambers of Parliament, including improvement of the oversight functions of Parliament over executive power.

This event, where 30 Senators and members of people`s councils in regions participated, will mark a launch of series of trainings for Senators on abovementioned topics, which will also be organized in Bukhara (for Senators of Bukhara, Samarkand, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya and Navoi regions), Andijan (for Senators of Andijan, Ferghana and Namangan regions) and Tashkent (for Senators of Tashkent, Syrdarya, Djizzakh regions and Tashkent city) cities of the republic, and will later be initiated also for members of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.

The main purpose of the event is to further develop a common understanding among Senators on improvement parliamentary oversight functions, as well as exchange of success stories among the participants of the seminar-training. It should be noted that the analytical discussions and sessions during these trainings will be the basis for producing a Manual for parliamentarians on the basic principles of effective parliamentary oversight functions.

Training has been based on advanced interactive methods of practical assignments with situational cross-discussions, small group discussion, as well as presentations.

As mentioned, during the training main focus was made on improvement of parliamentary oversight functions of Senators, the development of cooperation with mass media. At the same time discussion showed Senators willingness to enhance their knowledge on oversight functions as well as on international experience in this area.

To ensure the efficiency and the highest level of the organized event, highly qualified trainers with extensive experience in parliamentary, lawmaking and oversight functions, were engaged in the seminar-training.

The achievement and long-standing influence of seminar-training is embodied in participants` interest in organizing similar events that improve professional legal skills of Senators on continuing basis.

a) strengthen and develop the potential of the Parliament, as well as the Secretariats of both Chambers of Oliy Majlis;

b) assist in enhancing oversight and analytical activities of the Parliament;

c) strengthen the representative function of the Parliament through support in enhancing the organization of activities of MPs and methods of their work with electorate;

d) improve efficiency of work of Secretariats of both Chambers and informational and technical support to parliamentary activities.