The Chamber’s Commitment to Evidence-Based Parliamentarism The Chamber places paramount importance on fostering a research-based approach to parliamentary work and systems through its collaboration with the École Nationale d’Administration (ENA). This partnership underscores the Chamber’s belief that informed decision-making and effective governance are predicated upon rigorous research and evidence. ENA, a prestigious institution of higher education in France, provides the Chamber with access to a wealth of expertise and resources in the fields of public policy, administration, and parliamentary studies. Through this collaboration, the Chamber benefits from: * Research and Policy Analysis: ENA researchers conduct in-depth studies on key parliamentary issues, providing the Chamber with valuable insights and data to guide its policymaking processes. * Capacity Building: ENA offers training programs for parliamentary staff, empowering them with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective research-based work. * International Exchange: ENA facilitates exchanges between the Chamber and parliaments from around the world, fostering cross-fertilization of ideas and best practices. By leveraging ENA’s expertise, the Chamber ensures that its parliamentary work is firmly rooted in evidence. This approach promotes transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making. It also enhances the Chamber’s ability to address complex challenges facing society and to respond effectively to the needs of its constituents. Through its partnership with ENA, the Chamber demonstrates its unwavering commitment to research-based parliamentary work and systems. By embracing a culture of evidence, the Chamber empowers itself to make informed decisions, improve transparency, and contribute to a more democratic and just society.Parliament Emphasizes Knowledge-Based Decision-Making, Digital EmpowermentParliament Emphasizes Knowledge-Based Decision-Making, Digital Empowerment The Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives (HPR) has convened its fourth parliamentary conference, highlighting the importance of research and embracing digital transformation. Speaker Tagese Chafo stressed the need for sound research to inform decision-making and expressed the chamber’s commitment to knowledge-based policy. The conference showcases ten research projects that will enhance parliamentarians’ understanding of various issues. Furthermore, Chafo emphasized the HPR’s role in upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice and rights, and maintaining transparency and accountability. He stated that parliament serves the public good and is a democratic institution. Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Mola addressed the conference, highlighting the transformative impact of the digital revolution. He urged parliament to adapt to digital dynamics, ensuring that legislation keeps pace with the digital age to protect national security and interests. Mola emphasized the importance of empowering citizens through access to and utilization of digital tools. He acknowledged the challenges in research capacity and called for strengthening research capacities to support informed decision-making. The minister commended Parliament for its effectiveness in legislative and oversight functions related to innovation and technology laws. He expressed confidence in Parliament’s ability to address research challenges and contribute to the nation’s development through embracing the digital age.The Ethiopian National Assembly (ENA) recently hosted a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber), led by its President, Berhanu Assefa. The Chamber emphasized the importance of research-based parliamentary work and systems in enhancing the effectiveness of the legislature. Assefa highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to supporting parliamentary research through the provision of empirical data and evidence-based analysis. He noted that research played a crucial role in informing policy decisions and ensuring that parliamentary deliberations were grounded in sound knowledge and expertise. The delegation also shared best practices from other parliaments, emphasizing the need for robust research units, collaboration with academic institutions, and the creation of research-informed parliamentary committees. ENA welcomed the Chamber’s input and expressed its commitment to strengthening its research capacity. Speaker of the Assembly, Agegnehu Teshager, emphasized the Assembly’s determination to improve its legislative functions and engage in evidence-based policymaking. The two institutions agreed to continue their collaboration to enhance parliamentary research and strengthen the democratic process in Ethiopia.