Enhancing The Role Of Parliaments In Supporting Evidence-Based Decision-Making In Geneva

Dr. Omar Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Federal National Council (FNC), led a discussion on how parliaments can provide members with reliable information for evidence-based decisions. This took place during the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments (ASGP) meeting, held alongside the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Afra Rashid Al Basti, Deputy Secretary-General of Parliamentary Communication at the FNC, was also present.

Dr. Al Nuaimi pointed out that parliaments worldwide are experiencing significant changes in member performance and legislative priorities due to rapid sectoral developments. He noted that parliamentary debates now rely heavily on data and scientific analysis rather than just speeches and opinions. This shift supports oversight and political decision-making through quantitative and qualitative research.

Accurate and current information is crucial for effective decision-making, ensuring public policies reflect societal economic and social realities. Dr. Al Nuaimi explained that parliamentary secretariats have transitioned from administrative roles to becoming knowledge hubs. They now offer research, analysis, statistics, and documentation systems to provide members with reliable information for better legislative and oversight functions.

These knowledge systems function through integrated processes involving data collection from official sources, verification of accuracy and credibility, and analysis using scientific methods aligned with international standards. The results are shared with members as reports, summaries, and research papers to support evidence-based decisions that align with government strategies.

Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasised that these systems help parliaments enhance their legislative performance by providing comprehensive information that supports informed participation in international forums. By grounding decisions in verified data, parliaments can ensure their actions are in line with broader governmental plans while contributing effectively to global discussions.

The transformation within parliamentary secretariats highlights the importance of adapting to new challenges by equipping members with the tools needed for informed decision-making. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards data-driven governance across various sectors worldwide.

This approach ensures that parliaments remain relevant and responsive to changing global dynamics by fostering an environment where evidence-based policymaking is the norm rather than the exception.

With inputs from WAM