Santo Domingo.- International experts from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized the need for scientific advisory offices, artificial intelligence, open data, anticipatory governance, academic collaboration, and citizen participation to improve legislative processes. Their insights were shared during the “Parliaments and Prosperity” meeting, organized by the Senate of the Republic alongside the Organization of American States (OAS) and legislative bodies from Chile, Uruguay, and Panama.
Jairo Acuña-Alfaro, UNDP’s Regional Leader of Governance, outlined five strategic areas for improving legislation: institutional mechanisms for scientific advice, AI and open data for parliamentary efficiency, stronger academic partnerships, increased transparency, and anticipatory governance to address future challenges proactively. Meanwhile, policy specialist Moema Dutra Freire highlighted the link between democracy and economic growth, stressing the importance of modernizing parliaments to foster legal stability and attract investment.
Both experts underscored the role of inclusive, transparent, and participatory governance in strengthening democracy and economic development. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Dominican Senate in institutional strengthening, ensuring legislative processes that are more responsive to citizens’ needs.