Training on Parliamentary Diplomacy and Stakeholder Engagement
Parliamentary diplomacy and stakeholder engagement have become increasingly important in today’s interconnected and complex global landscape. As parliaments around the world play a crucial role in shaping national policies and international relations, there is a growing need for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to possess the skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively in diplomatic activities and manage stakeholder relationships.
Through parliamentary diplomacy, legislators can influence international policy, foster mutual understanding, and build alliances that support their national interests. Effective stakeholder engagement is critical for the success of parliamentary functions and the implementation of policies.
This course is designed to equip parliamentarians, parliamentary staff, and other relevant professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in parliamentary diplomacy and stakeholder engagement. By the end of the course, participants will be well-prepared to engage effectively in parliamentary diplomacy and manage stakeholder relationships, contributing to the development of sound policies and the promotion of international cooperation and democratic governance.
Target Participants
The course is intended for Members of Parliament (MPs) and parliamentary staff, government officials and diplomats involved in legislative and diplomatic affairs, civil society representatives and NGO staff working with parliamentary institutions, as well as students and researchers interested in political science, international relations, and public administration.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course the participants will be able to:
- Provide a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of parliamentary diplomacy
- Enhance participants’ skills in engaging and managing relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Develop practical negotiation, mediation, and communication skills
- Foster critical thinking and analytical skills for evaluating and improving diplomatic and engagement strategies
- Build capacity for effective decision-making and problem-solving in complex political environments
- Encourage collaboration and networking among participants for ongoing learning and support
Course Duration
Online 14 Days
Classroom – Based 10 Day
Introduction to Parliamentary Diplomacy
- Definition and scope
- Historical context and evolution
- Importance in modern governance
- Overview of different parliamentary systems (e.g., Westminster, Presidential, Hybrid)
- Case studies of parliamentary diplomacy in different systems
Key Principles of Parliamentary Diplomacy
- Transparency and accountability
- Representation and inclusiveness
- Dialogue and negotiation
International Institutions of Parliamentary Diplomacy
- Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
- Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
- Other relevant organizations (e.g., NATO Parliamentary Assembly, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly)
Roles and Functions of International Parliamentary Organizations
- Promoting international cooperation and dialogue
- Facilitating policy exchange and best practices
- Supporting democratic governance and human rights
- Case Studies of International Parliamentary Diplomacy
Fundamentals of Stakeholder Engagement
- Types of stakeholders (internal and external)
- Stakeholder mapping and analysis
- Strategies for Effective Stakeholder Engagement
- Communication techniques
- Building and maintaining relationships
- Conflict resolution and consensus building
Tools and Techniques for Engagement
- Digital tools for stakeholder engagement
- Public consultations and surveys
- Workshops
- Focus groups
Role of MPs in Diplomacy and Engagement
- Functions and responsibilities of parliamentary committees
- Case studies of successful diplomatic initiatives by committees
- MPs as Diplomats
- Roles and responsibilities of MPs in international diplomacy
- Skills required for effective diplomatic representation
- Engaging Constituents and Interest Groups
Practical Skills for Parliamentary Diplomacy
- Techniques for effective negotiation
- Mediation strategies in parliamentary settings
- Public Speaking and Communication
- Building networks within and outside parliament
- Leveraging relationships for diplomatic success
Ethics and Challenges in Parliamentary Diplomacy
- Ethical dilemmas in parliamentary diplomacy
- Frameworks for ethical decision-making
- Common challenges in stakeholder engagement and diplomacy
- Strategies for addressing and overcoming these challenges
- The role of technology and innovation in future diplomatic efforts
- Opportunities and the way forward for Parliamentary Diplomacy
