The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Tuesday held a conference on the African Parliamentary Knowledge Network (APKN), discussing the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to further advance parliamentary functions.
The opening session was addressed by the President of the PAP, Hon. Dr. Moussa Idriss Ndélé, who commended the APKN which "plays a significant role in strategising and implementing a continental framework for knowledge, experience and resource-sharing. Likewise, it promotes and facilitates the strategic use of information and communication technologies, to strengthen the capacity and capability of African Parliaments."
Hon. Ndélé added that leaders of democratic institutions, such as parliaments, "have a major role to ensure the development of an integrated strategic thrust that uplifts the living standards of our institutions and people".
He further added that "the PAP is committed to transform itself in building a modern and globally competitive democratic society".
The opening session was also addressed by APKN's Executive Committee Chairperson, Hon. Mohamed Abou-Zeid, from the People's Assembly of Egypt and Mr. Flavio Zeni, Chief Technical Advisor, Africa Parliament Action Plan, UNDESA.
The African Parliamentary Knowledge Network (APKN) was established in June of 2008 to support capacity-building activities, common services, sharing of experiences and best practices among African Parliaments.
It is based on the founding principles of the PAP and the African Union, which underlines the need for better coordination and collaboration among African Parliaments to meet the multiple challenges posed by economic and social integration and the need to harmonise legislation in member countries.