Q: What is AGORA?

A: AGORA is a one-stop reference center and hub for knowledge sharing on parliamentary development. Since its launch in 2010, AGORA has become an important Portal for the parliamentary development community, uniting international organizations, parliamentary development experts and professionals, but also MP's, parliamentary staff, NGO's and civil society organizations active in the field of parliamentary development. AGORA is centered around a public Portal, centralizing knowledge on parliaments and parliamentary development worldwide, and Trusted Area, an online community platform where members exchange knowledge and practices, engage in discussions and stay up to date on developments in parliamentary affairs. AGORA is a direct response to the growing need for international coordination of the parliamentary development community.

Q: Where is AGORA located?

A: AGORA is located at the UNDP offices in Brussels, Belgium.

Q: Who does AGORA work with?

A: AGORA works in partnership with a multitude of international organizations, parliamentary development experts and professionals, but also MP's, parliamentary staff, NGO's and civil society organizations active in the field of parliamentary development. For more information about our partners click here: Partnerships.

Q: What are the key topics of parliaments that AGORA seeks to support?

A: The main focus of AGORA is on Parliamentary Strengthening, Standards for Democratic Parliaments, Parliaments and Anti-corruption, Parliamentary Institution, Parliament and Development Policies, and Parliaments and Elections. For further information on any of the above topics you can visit our website by clicking on: Areas of Expertise. To see where these focus areas are active visit our Atlas page.

Q: How can I access AGORA publications?

A: You can access most of the AGORA publications by visiting our Library. This site includes flagship and most recent publications and links to externally hosted publications. You are able to search for a specific publication using keywords or document title or generally browse publications according to subject matter and area of interest.

Q: When and how did AGORA come into being?

A: Following a round of consultations in 2007 and 2008, AGORA was created to take up the crucial task of facilitating cooperation, increasing accessibility to knowledge and providing a platform for exchanging practices and experiences in parliamentary development. The AGORA public Portal and Trusted Area were launched in March 2010.

Q: How do I learn more about AGORA and its Partners?

A: For more specific information about AGORA explore our website by clicking on: www.agora-parl.org. For further information about our partners explore our About page by clicking on: link to about page here.

Q: What is the AGORA Trusted Area?

A: AGORA's Trusted Area is a private, collaborative platform for members of the global community of practice, which offers an additional portal for information and the opportunity to connect with global contacts in coming together through e-discussions and private working groups. It is also an interactive platform that allows for the posting of articles, comments, and documents that interest our members.

Q: What role do AGORA’s members play in AGORA’s activities?

A: All AGORA Trusted Area members are able to actively engage with every activity posted to the site. As a member you are able to post articles, partake in e-discussions hosted by AGORA, submit comments and follow up to date information dissemination on parliamentary development procedure and progress.

Q: How do I gain access to the AGORA Trusted Area?

A: You may request an invitation to the AGORA Trusted Area by clicking on AGORA Trusted Area and click on the link: Request a membership.

Q: What is the Virtual Exchange of Knowledge?

A: The public Portal offers a unique and up-to-date collection of knowledge and practical information on parliamentary development. This is done through an extensive and growing library, which collects references from all relevant organizations and institutions in the field and a calendar section listing events on parliamentary affairs. Members can also access Mapping, which provides details on past and current parliamentary development projects worldwide. The AGORA Trusted Area has developed itself as a virtual meeting place for practitioners and professionals in the field, where members can exchange news, documents, media, and ideas at the click of a mouse.

Q: What is the Expert Roster?

A: The Expert Roster is a database of highly qualified people working in various fields of Parliamentary Development and Strengthening. You are able to search for an Expert from a particular Region, on a particular Subject, from what Nationality and/or Country of Experience. If you are a Trusted Member of AGORA, you are able to submit a Question to the Experts, whereby all Trusted Area members and Experts can offer an answer or provide information on where to gain further information.

Q: How do I access and use the Roster?

A: You can access the Roster by clicking on this link: Expert Roster. To use the Roster, simply click on any criteria listed in the Region, Subject, Nationality, and/or Country of Experience drop down menus and click Find. You will be presented with a list, click on any of the names and you will be taken to their profile page for further information. You are also able to download a copy of their CV’s.

Q: I am an expert. How can I contribute?

A: If you would like to share your expertise on Parliamentary Development and Strengthening please Request a membership, fill out your profile and contact AGORA staff through the Email function.