Within the framework of the USAID RADA: Next Generation Program, on June 12, the International Republican Institute organized an experience exchange meeting for more than 20 parliamentarians from Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The USAID RADA: Next Generation Program helps the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine hold inter-parliamentary dialogue and learn international experience that will ensure successful European integration of Ukraine and post-war reconstruction based on the principles of democracy.
As Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, noted in his opening remarks: "We need to exchange experience, including with those countries represented at today's meeting. We have common ground. We have a similar historical background, which, unfortunately, is associated not only with positive aspects. But we see that democracies can develop in difficult conditions by responding to the demands of their citizens."
The MPs discussed parliamentary reform, challenges of wartime and the prospects of post-war recovery, prospects of partnership and their experience in the context of voter interaction issues. Participants also discussed the challenges of communicating complex reforms during EU & NATO accession. The participants agreed to further cooperation with a focus on specific parliamentary reform issues.
Ukrainian MPs shared their experience in crisis situations, factional and party policies and approaches to such interaction, citizen involvement in the decision-making process, interaction with stakeholders, ensuring and taking into account regional needs at the national level, parliamentary oversight and other issues.
The USAID RADA: Next Generation Program systematically analyzes international experience referring to policies in war and post-war environments. In addition to conducting events, the Program provides research on this subject, such as "Politics and Governance Procedures in Conflict and Post-Conflict Environments," which you can find on our website.