On January 15-16, ECNL participated in an international seminar on Public Participation in Legislative Processes in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. . The objectives of the seminar were:
- Raising awareness on importance and benefit of public consultation among policy makers and general public in Mongolia.
- Learning and exchanging experiences policies and mechanisms of public consultation in the region.
- Identifying a suitable model of policy and mechanism for public consultation in the legislative process in Mongolia.
The seminar hosted eight CSO representatives from Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary, Slovakia, Estonia, Poland and Czech Republic) who shared the experiences of their countries in advancing participation in legislative processes and enhancing the freedom of information through existing legal mechanisms. They also discussed the challenges that their governments and CSOs have been facing in the practical implementation of those principles and mechanisms. Representatives from the Mongolian Parliament, Government and CSOs reflected on the domestic situation, the needs for reform and current initiatives to address those needs. ECNL Legal Advisor, Katerina Hadzi-Miceva delivered a presentation on the topic: “Ensuring participation in legislative processes : European Principles and practical considerations”.