By Chisomo Phiri
The Parliament of Malawi has reaffirmed its strong partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscoring their shared commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency, and enhancing parliamentary effectiveness.
Speaking during a cocktail reception for Members of Parliament-elect and development partners in Lilongwe on Thursday, Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba commended UNDP for its consistent technical and financial support towards parliamentary reforms and the ongoing orientation programme for newly elected legislators, which concludes on Friday.
Kalemba highlighted key achievements under the partnership, including the digitisation of parliamentary operations through a modern Hansard transcription system, upgraded chamber conferencing facilities, and the launch of Parliament Television, which has improved public access to parliamentary proceedings.
She noted that these initiatives have modernised Parliament’s operations and strengthened citizen engagement.
She said UNDP has also played a vital role in supporting the current orientation programme and is expected to fund future political leadership and governance training sessions for MPs.
In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost praised Parliament for organising a well-structured and impactful induction for the incoming MPs.
She stressed that young legislators bear a special responsibility to represent the aspirations and concerns of Malawi’s youthful population.
Frost further encouraged the Parliamentary Secretariat to review and update the orientation curriculum regularly to ensure it remains relevant, practical, and aligned with modern governance standards.
