Parliaments are increasingly attentive to the way in which they carry out their representative, legislative and oversight functions. They are also seeking ways to enhance often dwindling public confidence in parliamentarians and the institution of parliament in general. Periodic and meaningful evaluation can be a powerful tool for ensuring that parliament performs effectively and maintains strong and healthy relations with citizens and the executive branch of government.

There are many possible objectives and methods when carrying out an evaluation. However, all evaluations share a common goal of strengthening parliament as the central institution of democracy and ensuring its continuing relevance in the twenty-first century.

This one-day conference, targeted at parliamentarians, Secretaries General and staff involved in the future directions of parliament, provided a forum for discussion of different approaches to the evaluation of parliament, sharing of lessons learned and understanding the potential results and impact of evaluation.

The conference was co-organized by the IPU, the Association of Secretaries General of Parliament and other partners.