Dr. William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the CPA, said: "Many Parliamentarians already use web-based and mobile technologies to help them scrutinize governments and establish interactive dialogues with constituents. But many more lack full access to the new forms of communications which are today recognized as one of the Benchmarks of good governance. All Parliamentarians also need the best possible advice on how to regulate this rapidly advancing area and apply it effectively to development issues and the deepening of the Commonwealth's commitment to democracy. This agreement will help Parliamentarians throughout the Commonwealth to be better representative of the people."
"The Internet and social media have increased and strengthened the channels of communication between various branches of Government and citizens," says Professor Tim Unwin, CEO of CTO. "I believe this MoU between two lead Commonwealth agencies, one for legislators and the other for ICTs to improve accountability, enhance transparency and strengthen democracy across the Commonwealth and contribute to achieving one of the core Commonwealth missions: empowering people in governance.
About the CPA
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association of 185 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. Its mandate is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance among Members and officials of Parliaments. It informs the parliamentary community about the commonwealth's democratic commitment and furthers co-operation among its Parliaments and Legislatures.
The CPA's priorities include the expansion of participation of women in the democratic process and promoting the involvement of young people in representative government. The CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are being used around the world to help Parliaments assess their procedures and processes to identify areas for reform to improve democratic governance.
On the CTO
With a history dating back to 1901, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between the Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, business and civil society organizations. Though research and studies, advisory and consultancy services, capacity building and training and events on topical issues, the CTO helps to bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering a range of unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
From its headquarters in London and with members based in Europe, the Caribbean, Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, the CTO has been at the centre of continuous and extensive international communications development funding, co-operation and assistance programmes. The CTO's mission is to promote wealth in developing countries through the more efficient utilization of ICT's, and its development agenda reflects the priorities set in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
---
Quelle/Source: Afrique en Ligue, 01.11.2011
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
