Global Organizations of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) commenced its Islamic Development Bank Group-supported workshop on ‘Development Effectiveness to Implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ at the Republic of Indonesia House of Representatives building in Jakarta, Indonesia on 30 August 2016. The workshop, held on 30-31 August 2016, aimed to gather inputs and amendments on the Draft Parliamentary Handbook on Parliament’s Role in Implementing the SDGs. The Chair of GOPAC and the Republic of Indonesia Vice Speaker of the House, Dr. Fadli Zon, hosted the workshop and among the dignitaries were the Speaker of the House, Dr. Ade Komarudin and Minister of National Development Planning, Dr. Bambang Brodjonegoro.

The Chairman of GOPAC and Vice Speaker of the House, Dr. Fadli Zon, emphasized the importance of capacity building among parliamentarians with regards to the oversight, implementation and monitoring of the national development in pursuing the SDGs.

Representing the IDB Group, the Senior Integrity Specialist, Abdihamid Mao, presented his welcome remarks, stating that IDB Group shared the same view in combating corruption. “The concept of development effectiveness, that includes integrity and combating corrupt and fraudulent practices is well-established and within the founding instruments of IDB Group. As the workshop contributes to strengthening parliamentarians to enhance oversight of development funding, implementation and monitoring of the SDGs, is of utmost importance and we are exceptionally pleased in contributing our resources and expertise from day one,” Abdihamid Mao explained.

The Speaker of the House, Dr. Ade Komarudin, stated that by carrying their oversight function, parliamentarians could promote accountability of development commitments, budgetary resources and ensure that the necessary legislative frameworks were in place. “In order to do real actions, kindly share your thoughts, expertise and experience to improve the quality of the Handbook we develop. Secondly, walk your talk, ensure that we could translate the Handbook into actions in our daily legislative works,” added the Speaker of the House.

GOPAC is a worldwide alliance of parliamentarians working together to combat corruption, strengthen good government, and uphold the rule of law. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, GOPAC has 57 national chapters on 5 continents. GOPAC supports its members’ efforts through original research, global anti-corruption capacity building, and international peer support. IDB Group provides financial support for the program.