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- Ελληνικά
The 3rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IP) regional seminar for the Group of 12+ on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), co-organised by the IP and the French Senate, concludes today in Paris.
The head of the Cypriot delegation to the IC, MP Mr. Averof Neophytou took part in a panel discussion on "Open Parliament and Innovation". Reiterating the position that parliaments, based on the principles of transparency, accessibility and public participation, are the foundation of any functioning democracy, Mr Neophytou underlined the role they can play in relation to the growing questioning and loss of trust of citizens.
The SDG16, which is based on the triptych "peace-justice-strong institutions", Mr Neophytou stressed, dictates the promotion of transparency, accountability and inclusion in order to make parliaments the means to achieve fairer societies. Referring further to the key role of the innovation sector in the reform of democratic systems, Neophytou argued that the use of advanced technological means can bridge the gap between citizens and parliaments and referred specifically to digital platforms, which can serve as tools for the more direct active participation of citizens in decision-making processes. He therefore stressed the need for a commitment on the part of parliaments to ensure citizens' participation in democratic processes.
Resilience is an important aspect of democracy, as Mr. Nefytoufou concluded. Neophytou, and is therefore an essential element in the evolution of political systems into more resilient democratic institutions and thus in meeting the needs and expectations of citizens.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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