French Senate and UNDP Partner to Strengthen Parliaments and Global Democracy

In a bold and timely step toward reinforcing democratic institutions around the world, the French Senate and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have entered into a new strategic partnership aimed at advancing more effective, accountable, and inclusive parliamentary systems globally. The initiative comes as democracies face growing threats from political polarization, erosion of public trust, disinformation, and rising authoritarianism.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in Geneva, in the presence of Ambassador Céline Jurgensen, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. This agreement marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between the French Senate and UNDP, which began with a cooperation framework launched in 2005.

A Democratic Imperative in Uncertain Times

“Democracies across the globe are under pressure,” said Loïc Hervé, Vice-President of the French Senate and head of interparliamentary cooperation. “In this context, parliaments must rise to the occasion by fulfilling their vital roles—legislating, overseeing governments, and representing citizens—with renewed vigor and greater responsiveness to today’s complex challenges.”

The new partnership aims to do just that. Drawing on the French Senate’s institutional expertise and UNDP’s global presence and technical assistance in over 65 national parliaments, the initiative will focus on building the capacity of legislative bodies, particularly in emerging democracies and regions undergoing political transition or decentralization.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The work under the MoU will be demand-driven, meaning support will be provided to parliaments that specifically request assistance. Areas of focus include:

• Effective Lawmaking: Helping parliaments draft legislation that reflects international standards and development goals.

• Oversight of the Executive: Enhancing mechanisms for government accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption.

• Inclusive Citizen Participation: Empowering citizens to engage in legislative processes and voice their concerns.

• Peer Learning and Exchanges: Facilitating cross-national dialogue among parliamentarians through study visits, workshops, and mentoring programs.

• Navigating Political Transitions: Providing tailored support to parliaments dealing with post-conflict transitions, constitutional reform, or decentralization.

• Climate Action and Digital Innovation: Addressing contemporary policy gaps, particularly in sustainability, green legislation, and digital governance.

The MoU is non-binding and flexible, ensuring that it can be adjusted to suit the evolving needs of parliaments facing varied democratic, political, and cultural contexts.

UNDP’s Expanding Role in Democratic Governance

According to Susan Brown, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, one in three parliaments globally seek support from the UNDP for a wide range of needs, including legal reform, budget oversight, and capacity-building.

“At this critical time, when trust in democratic institutions is declining worldwide, strengthening parliaments is essential,” Brown emphasized. “Parliaments are where democracy becomes real for citizens. They are platforms for debate, for decision-making, and for ensuring governments are held accountable.”

She added that the collaboration with the French Senate would allow the UNDP to scale up support to more parliaments, equipping them to better address the world's most pressing issues—from climate change to digital inequality, conflict resolution, and inclusive governance.

A Long-Standing, Evolving Partnership

The new MoU builds on a decade-and-a-half of cooperation between the UNDP and the French Senate, rooted in a shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, and participatory governance. Over the years, their joint initiatives have helped strengthen parliamentary systems in Francophone Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond.

This renewed partnership reflects a shared understanding that democratic resilience requires sustained, long-term investment in institutions, not just elections.

Democracy as a Shared Responsibility

With parliaments at the frontline of public policy and citizen representation, this initiative reinforces the idea that democratic governance cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively nurtured and adapted to meet the changing needs of societies.

As Loïc Hervé concluded, “Parliaments that function well don’t just pass laws—they bring citizens closer to their governments. They are essential for good governance, transparency, and societal trust. This partnership is an investment in that future.”