THE EIGHTH SOCATT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR IN ARUSHA

The eighth SoCATT Professional Development Seminar was officially inaugurated in Arusha, Tanzania, marking the commencement of a two-day event focused on the theme of “Re-positioning Parliamentary Administration in the Era of Evidence and Modernization.” The seminar aims to address the evolving landscape of parliamentary administration, with a particular focus on the importance of evidence-based practices and modernization in this context.

The opening ceremony of the seminar was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including representatives from various parliamentary bodies, academia, and international organisations. The event commenced with an insightful keynote address, which set the tone for the discussions and deliberations that are set to take place over the course of the seminar.

The Society of Clerks-at-the-Table (SoCATT) Africa Region is currently hosting the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 (𝗣𝗗𝗦) at the East African Community Headquarters, Arusha-Tanzania from 20-23 May, 2024;

The 8th Professional Development Seminar aptly themed: 𝙍𝙚-𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙀𝙧𝙖 𝙤𝙛 𝙀𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 will equip Clerks, Secretaries of Legislatures and Parliaments to reposition themselves and adequately harness the potential benefits of institutionalising evidence-based and technology-enabled modernisation and reform for improved operational efficiency and contribution to national development.

Today, the SoCATT Africa Regional Steering Committee held a preparatory meeting ahead of the planned seminar.

Chaired by the Vice-Chairperson of the SoCATT Africa Region Steering Committee, Hon. Lydia Kandetu, Clerk of the National Council, Parliament of Namibia, the Steering Committee reviewed the preparations for the 2024 SoCATT Africa Region Professional Development Seminar (PDS) and proposed the programme framework for the 2024 SoCATT Africa Annual General Meeting in South Africa in August 2024.

Hon. Deodatus Mwanyika, Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, will open the 2024 Professional Development Seminar (PDS), which will officially begin tomorrow, Tuesday 21 May 2024.

The theme of re-positioning parliamentary administration emphasises the necessity for adaptation to the changing dynamics of governance and public administration. In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal needs, parliamentary bodies are increasingly required to embrace evidence-based approaches and modernise their administrative practices in order to effectively serve their constituencies.

The seminar will comprise a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, providing a forum for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and explore innovative strategies for enhancing parliamentary administration. The seminar will address three key topics: the use of data and evidence to inform decision-making, the potential of technology to enhance administrative efficiency, and the importance of transparency and accountability in parliamentary processes.

Furthermore, the seminar will examine the role of parliamentary administration in the promotion of good governance, the fostering of public trust, and the advancement of sustainable development goals. The seminar will provide participants with the opportunity to gain valuable insights from experts in the field, exchange experiences, and build networks that can contribute to the advancement of parliamentary administration in their respective contexts.

The significance of this seminar extends beyond the immediate gathering, as the outcomes and recommendations are expected to inform policy and practice in parliamentary administration at both national and international levels. The seminar aims to create a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment in order to facilitate positive change and contribute to the continuous improvement of parliamentary administration worldwide.

In addition to the substantive discussions, the seminar provides a platform for the presentation of innovative solutions, tools, and best practices in parliamentary administration. The exhibition and demonstration of cutting-edge technologies, administrative frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives will afford participants a first-hand experience of the latest advancements in the field.

The eighth SoCATT Professional Development Seminar represents a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to enhance the standards of parliamentary administration, in alignment with the broader objectives of promoting effective and responsive governance. The commitment to evidence-based practices and modernisation reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing the complex challenges facing parliamentary bodies in the contemporary context.

As the seminar progresses, participants are positioned to engage in thought-provoking discourse, gain new perspectives, and contribute to the shaping of the future trajectory of parliamentary administration. The collective expertise and experiences brought together at this event are poised to generate actionable insights and recommendations that can drive positive transformation in parliamentary administration, ultimately benefiting the societies and citizens served by these institutions.

In conclusion, the official inauguration of the eighth SoCATT Professional Development Seminar sets the stage for an enriching and impactful gathering, dedicated to re-positioning parliamentary administration in the era of evidence and modernization. The seminar’s focus on fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange suggests that it may facilitate positive change and advance collective aspirations for effective and responsive parliamentary administration.

Tanzania Media