Report from the 2024 Global Innovations in Democracy: Parliamentary Exchange
In April, parliamentarians from around the world convened in Washington, DC for the second annual Global Innovations in Democracy: Parliamentary Exchange (GID). The Ohio State University’s Institute for Democratic Engagement and Accountability (IDEA) and the National Civic League's Center for Democracy Innovation hosted this vibrant gathering.
The event kicked off with a reception at the European Parliament's Washington Office, where US House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi stressed the critical importance of women’s leadership on a global scale.
The first day of the conference took place at American University’s Washington College of Law. Participants engaged in panels and discussions covering a range of topics from citizen panels and innovative participatory examples to the use of artificial intelligence in parliaments worldwide.
On the second day, the historic US Capitol provided the backdrop for further dialogue. Alisha Todd, Director General of ParlAmericas, led the initial discussion, highlighting the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the inter-American system. Sannaleena Lepola-Honig from the European Parliament detailed why the organization has opened Parliamentary Democracy Partnerships liaison offices in global cities including New York, Washington, London, Abas-Aziz, Panama, and Jakarta. These offices aim to foster cooperation and legislative dialogue with national parliaments, support inter-parliamentary activities, and promote parliamentary democracy in Europe and beyond.
US Representative Nick Langworthy of New York, the only sitting American elected official to participate in the discussions, emphasized the benefits of international dialogue with his remark, "Nothing bad comes from people talking." Drawing on his experiences as a district staffer and as a representative from a border state, he underscored the essential role of constituent service.
Throughout the event, speakers addressed the universal challenge of meeting constituent expectations that often exceed legislative capabilities. MPs from Tanzania to the European Parliament shared their strategies for managing these demands, with one lawmaker noting his participation in over 100 WhatsApp groups to stay connected with his constituents.
The event also spotlighted the online threats faced by women lawmakers. Neema Lugangira, Member of the Tanzanian Parliament, urged US and European colleagues to help persuade tech companies to protect legislators worldwide.
Highlighting innovative public outreach, Eunice Gichangi, Senior Deputy Clerk of the Senate of Kenya, shared the "Mahsinani" initiative, in which the Kenyan Senate relocates for one week to a different county to engage directly with citizens.
Art O’Leary from Ireland offered insights from the citizens' panels used to debate constitutional amendments and controversial issues like abortion and end-of-life care. Representatives from France and Brussels shared similar initiatives, providing a comprehensive look at participatory democracy in action. Meanwhile, Chilean representatives discussed their experiences with two unsuccessful attempts to launch a broad citizen's initiative to rewrite the country's constitution.
The conference wrapped up with a focus on the deployment of AI in legislative processes, highlighted by the US House of Representatives' announcement of new guidelines for internal AI use.
The 2024 GID event showcased the power of shared experiences and collective learning among global lawmakers. These international platforms prove invaluable for fostering dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives, and enhancing the efficacy of democratic governance amid rapidly changing times.
