July 25, 2008
Issues Without Borders
Distance will not be a deterrent for legislative leaders from around the globe.
NEW ORLEANS - This week, international leaders from more than 25 countries are gathering in New Orleans to exchange information and hear various perspectives on public policy as part of the National Conference of State Legislatures' (NCSL) Legislative Summit.
"Globalization affects state legislators and their constituencies in many ways," says Kathy Brennan-Wiggins, director of NCSL's International Program. "Trade, economic development, and job creation are all cross-border issues. Being able to exchange information with parliamentarians from other countries offers various perspectives on public policy development for our state legislators and international delegates."
NCSL's international programs department acts as a liaison among state legislatures and international organizations, foreign embassies, and parliamentarians from other countries, as well as domestic organizations with international interests. The program provides training and technical assistance, develops exchange programs and sponsors fellowships for young professionals from selected countries in state legislatures. The program also helps state legislators and staff identify major international issues with local or regional implications.
"NCSL’s experience in strengthening legislatures by providing member services and supporting resource development and increased staff capacity is relevant to many young democracies," says Wiggins. These international delegates are poised to learn a lot from legislators gathering in New Orleans."
In addition to the policy sessions, international delegates are interested in issues ranging from human resource development to committee procedures and operation to using new technology to reach constituents.
In addition, state legislators and staff are poised to better support emerging democracies and help them create independent, representative, and well-informed legislative bodies.
International delegates will be available for media interviews from noon to 12:30 p.m., on Friday, July 25, in the NCSL Press Conference Room, 213 on the second level of the Morial Convention Center.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
###
|
