Seminar-trainings were organized in Urgench, Tashkent, Samarkand and Andijan cities by the UNDP “Parliamentary Development Assistance” (Parliament) project. The events united more than 150 participants, including Senators, members of local councils and permanent commissions, specialists and mass media.

Thanks to the trainings participants improved their understanding on how to improve parliamentary oversight functions, as well as exchanged experiences. During the training participants also discussed international experience in parliamentary oversight and better collaboration with mass media. Senators noted that this type of interaction creates better awareness and understanding of their own roles.

Proposals and recommendations from the discussions will be presented in a briefing package for the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan and will also be used to develop a Manual for parliamentarians on the basic principles of effective parliamentary oversight functions. The seminar-trainings were widely discussed in local mass media to enhance public awareness on the Parliament and increase accountability at the local level.

The achievement and long-standing influence of seminar-training is embodied in participants` interest in organizing similar events that improve professional legal skills of Senators on continuing basis. Similar seminar-training will be organized for members of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.