About the Applicant 
Karnali Foundation is a non-governmental organization based in Nepal, dedicated to promoting good governance, democracy, and sustainable development. We have significant experience working with various stakeholders, including government institutions, CSOs, media, and local communities. Our work revolves around advocacy, capacity building, research, and public policy analysis. We have a deep understanding of the socio-political context in Karnali Province and are well-positioned to contribute to the objectives specified in the ToR.
Over the years, Karnali Foundation has successfully implemented various projects that align with the objectives stated in the ToR. Our experience in democracy, peace, human rights, social justice, and equitable development has enabled us to focus on parliamentary affairs, policy making, advocacy for human rights, good governance, and community mobilization. Our executive committee consists of lawyers, journalists, and development actors, emphasizing the importance of inclusion. We have access to diverse expertise through our advisory committee, composed of diplomats, senior advocates, journalists, development experts, and academia.
Our past work in projects such as “Review and Public Consultation on Karnali Province Bills” (PSP/UNDP) and “Promoting Outreach and Parliamentary Oversight in Karnali Province” (PSP/UNDP) demonstrates Karnali Foundation’s experience and expertise in areas relevant to the ToR. These projects involved successful collaboration with provincial assemblies and various stakeholders, public consultation on provincial bills, capacity building, and promotion of open parliamentary practices. Karnali Foundation is highly qualified and suitable We are thrilled to apply for the project entitled "Supporting Karnali PA for Public Hearing, Oversight, and Promoting Open Parliamentary Practices,"
Technical Proposal on 
“Supporting Karnali PA for Public Hearing, Oversight, and Promoting Open Parliamentary Practices”
Background:
In 2018, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiated the Parliament Support Project (PSP) aimed at bolstering the capacities of parliaments and their secretariats in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces. This initiative primarily focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary core functions, such as oversight, lawmaking, and representation. Various initiatives have been implemented over the years to further promote parliamentary outreach and openness.
Previous efforts supported by PSP include the introduction of “Meet the Speaker” sessions, establishing virtual connections between the provincial assemblies and districts, developing outreach plans of action, and facilitating public hearings through media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). While some of these initiatives have been adopted to some extent by the parliament secretariats, there are still areas where their engagement remains limited, particularly in collaborating with the public and thematically independent CSOs for oversight on pertinent issues.
There is a recognized need for greater consistency in openness activities initiated by the parliament secretariats. Engaging with citizens through public hearings and open interactions provides an opportunity for the secretariats to respond to public queries while sharing information about their activities. In addition, organizing events that engage citizen forums through consultations, dialogues, and other side activities on a larger scale can further promote parliamentary openness.
Involving CSOs in supporting the parliament secretariats in planning and organizing events related to parliamentary openness can facilitate smoother management and broader stakeholder engagement in parliamentary affairs. This collaboration can also contribute to a better understanding and awareness of legislative development and oversight mechanisms.
To this end, the PSP seeks to engage a competent service provider to support the Karnali PA secretariat in overseeing relevant emerging issues. These programs aim to enhance collaboration between the secretariat, CSOs, and experts while inspiring the provincial assembly to make the parliament more open and accessible to the public.
Against this backdrop, Karnali Foundation is pleased to convey its keen interest in conducting  the tasks delineated in the TOR for the project entitled "Supporting Karnali PA for Public Hearing, Oversight, and Promoting Open Parliamentary Practices."
The Karnali Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Nepal, is well-suited to contribute to the objectives outlined in the Terms of Reference (ToR) provided. With a strong track record of collaborating with government institutions, CSOs, media, and local communities, the foundation is committed to advocating for positive change and driving social progress.
The Karnali Foundation’s extensive experience in advocacy, capacity building, research, and public policy analysis, along with its deep understanding of the socio-political context in Karnali Province, equips the organization to contribute to the proposed project titled “Supporting Karnali PA for Public Hearing, Oversight, and Promoting Open Parliamentary Practices.”
Through past collaborations with PSP/UNDP, the Karnali Foundation has demonstrated its expertise in areas directly relevant to the ToR, such as facilitating public consultations on provincial bills, promoting inclusivity and citizen participation, and building capacity and collaboration with provincial assemblies and stakeholders.
The diverse backgrounds of the foundation’s executive committee and the expertise of its advisory committee ensure access to a wide range of knowledge and resources. Given the Karnali Foundation’s extensive experience, expertise, and successful track record in projects that align with the ToR’s objectives, the organization is highly qualified and well-positioned to effectively support the Karnali PA in achieving its goals of promoting public hearing, oversight, and open parliamentary practices.
Objectives
Our proposed intervention perfectly aligns with the overarching objectives as laid out in the ToR. We are fully committed to supporting the Karnali Provincial Assembly (PA) in achieving the following objectives:
To conduct public hearings that enhance the accountability of the Provincial Assembly to its constituents, thereby fostering transparency and citizen participation in the legislative process.
To provide support to the PA committees in their oversight efforts by facilitating meaningful engagement and collaboration with relevant thematic CSOs, enabling effective scrutiny and monitoring of government actions.
To assist the PA secretariat in planning and organizing a comprehensive package event that promotes open parliamentary practices, creating an inclusive and accessible environment for citizens to engage with their elected representatives.

Approach and Activities:
To ensure the successful achievement of the objectives outlined above, we have developed a detailed approach and a comprehensive set of activities:
Conduct Public Hearings:
Recognizing the crucial role public hearings play in strengthening accountability, we will organize and facilitate two impactful public hearing events in close collaboration with the Karnali PA secretariat and relevant thematic committees. Our approach encompasses the following key activities:
Extensive consultations with local communities, CSOs, and stakeholders to identify the most pressing issues faced by the citizens of Karnali Province.
Seamless coordination with the PA secretariat and committee members to meticulously plan and organize the public hearings, ensuring their effectiveness and impact.
Thorough collection of pertinent questions and concerns from selected communities and stakeholders, which will be raised and addressed during the public hearings, providing a platform for citizens to voice their opinions.
Strategic engagement of media representatives to ensure comprehensive coverage of the events, thereby maximizing the reach and impact of the public hearings.
Thorough preparation of detailed reports that highlight the major issues raised, responses provided, and recommendations for future action, ensuring the sustainability of the public hearing outcomes.
Deliverable 1: Completion of 2 public hearing events on key issues with the parliament and Committee leadership in the Karnali Province where at least 100 public (including some from LGBTIQ and Persons with Disabilities groups) interact with the committee leadership. 

B. Engage with Research Institutions and CSOs in Oversight Work:
To enhance the oversight function of the PA committees, we will facilitate enhanced collaboration and cooperation between the PA secretariat, committees, and relevant CSOs. 
Our proposed activities in this area include:
Thorough mapping of thematic CSOs and research institutions with expertise relevant to the mandate of the selected committee, ensuring a well-informed and comprehensive oversight process.
Facilitation of evidence-based presentations and interactive sessions between CSO representatives/research institutions, and committee members, fostering meaningful dialogue and informed decision-making.


Support in the creation of rosters of thematic CSOs and research institutions, providing the PA committees with a valuable resource for future engagements and oversight work.
Deliverable 2: Completion of 2 events with the CSOs/Research Institution on parliamentary Oversight where 10 -15 thematic CSOs will get the opportunity to discuss the issues with Committee leadership. 
C. Promote Open Parliamentary Practices:
We recognize the importance of promoting open parliamentary practices to create an inclusive and accessible democratic environment. To achieve this, we propose the following activities in close collaboration with the PA secretariat:
Development of a detailed event plan through extensive consultations with the PA secretariat and other stakeholders. The plan will encompass diverse activities such as 
i. Visit Your Parliament Tours:
Organize guided tours of the parliament building, allowing the general public to explore its various chambers, committee rooms.
Provide informative information during the visits to enhance visitors' understanding of parliamentary processes and the significance of democratic governance.
ii. Documentary Screenings:
Curate a series of documentaries that highlight the evolution of democracy and the role of parliaments in shaping societies. Screen these documentaries in a dedicated venue within the parliamentary premises, inviting both visitors and parliamentarians to attend.

iii. Panel Discussion on Democracy and Parliaments:
Design a panel discussion with ex MPs that explores the principles of democracy, the significance of parliamentary institutions, and the legislative process.
iv. Quiz or Elocution Shows:
Conduct engaging quiz competitions or elocution shows that encourage active participation from students, youth, and the general public.
Select topics related to parliamentary procedures, democratic values, and the roles of legislators to foster awareness and knowledge.
v. Meet the Speaker for Elderly Citizens:
Organize exclusive sessions where the Speaker of the Parliament interacts with elderly citizens, addressing their concerns and discussing relevant topics.
Provide a comfortable and inclusive environment to promote dialogue and understanding between the elderly population and parliamentary representatives.
vi. Youths/Students Q&A with MPs:
Arrange interactive sessions where young individuals and students have the opportunity to directly engage with Members of Parliament.
Enable an open and inclusive discussion platform, allowing young participants to raise questions, express their perspectives, and understand the legislative process.
vii. Women and Marginalized Groups in Parliament Corner
viii. Talk Series on Parliament Openness:
Host a series of thought-provoking talks and panel discussions that emphasize the importance of transparency and openness in parliamentary proceedings.
Invite experts, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives to share their insights and engage in constructive dialogue on enhancing parliamentary accountability.
By incorporating these activities into the event plan, we aim to foster public engagement, promote understanding of parliamentary processes, and encourage active participation in democratic governance. This comprehensive approach ensures that visitors of all age groups and backgrounds have the opportunity to connect with and learn from their parliament.
Ensuring participatory planning by involving representatives from various age groups, genders, and marginalized communities, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the design and execution of the event.
Utilization of social media tools effectively to reach a wider audience and create public awareness about the event, maximizing its impact and ensuring broad citizen engagement.
Thorough post-event evaluation and reporting to document the achievements, outreach, and outcomes of the package event, providing valuable insights for future initiatives and continuous improvement.
Five activities among them will be finalized in consultation with the PA secretariat and PSP team.
Deliverable 3: Completion of  one event on promoting parliamentary openness where at least 50 public get the opportunity to directly participate and reach out to at least 10 thousand people via social media tools. 
Deliverable 4: A comprehensive report summarizing the three events, including outcomes, findings , participant feedback and suggested next steps. 

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