Report

Ms. Deborah Schulte, M.P. attended the International Parliamentary Conference on behalf of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association that was held from 14 -17 March, 2016.

Purpose: to bring together international parliamentarians and representatives from civil society, the private sector and academia to support the successful implementation of the new generation of development goals. This unique opportunity examined the issue of sustainable development, energy security and resource management; reviewed best practice, case studies and discussed ideas and innovation.

Goal: to educate parliamentarians on how to enact enabling legislation, hold government accountable, build public awareness, facilitate citizen involvement, monitor and report on progress achieved.

Program:

• learn about sustainable development from an international perspective

• listen to and question international experts, academics and high profile parliamentarians on issues of Climate Change

• explore best practices in sustainable development accountability

• examine issues around the Commonwealth addressing sustainable development

• network with other parliamentarians from around the globe

• debate the issue of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) achievement in the Grand Committee Room of the Houses of Parliamentt

• financing sustainable development

• the role of Parliamentarians in ensuring economic stability and financial incentives

• and constituency development funds

• implementing and legislating policies on renewable energies

• legislating for sustainability

• access to statistics, data and transparency

• the role of parliamentarians with regard to SDGs

• tips for parliamentarians with regard to SDGs and the Media

• the importance of partnering across sectors (Parliament/Private Sector/Civil Society/NGOs)

• indicator framework and measurement

• the E-handbook on sustainable development

Summary:

This was an excellent opportunity for gaining understanding of the challenges to achieving the SDGs, and the complexities around developing appropriate implementation strategies, measurement and validation of success. The opportunity to connect with and learn from other parliamentarians on this subject enhanced the experience.

Respectfully submitted,

Yasmin Ratansi, M.P.
Chair of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)