Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on the role of parliament in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explains how parliament can utilise its partnership with stakeholders in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. The paper aims to bring a parliamentary perspective to the discussion.

Paper long abstract:

The SDGs place people at the center of development. This being the case, parliaments as representative institutions cannot be left out of this journey. It is through parliaments that laws are made which provide an enabling environment for the domestication of SDGS. It is through parliament that government activities are scrutinized. It is through parliament that people from all walks of life in various constituencies are 'heard,' and it is also through parliament that the budget is approved, carrying with it the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the populace. Parliament is, therefore, a critical and strategic partner in attaining Agenda 2030.

In order for the institution of parliament to successfully carry out its mandate as it pertains to SDGs, it needs to develop and strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations, the media and academia. These partnerships will enrich parliamentary functions which include legislative, oversight, representative and budgetary as relates to SDGs. Therefore, this paper will explain the role of parliament in SDGs, reveal some of the challenges which affect parliaments as they try to incorporate SDGs in their work and then see how parliaments can benefit from partnerships with various stakeholders, in particular the academia to sail through the challenges. In terms of drawing on practical examples and challenges in incorporating SDGs, the Zambian Parliament will be used as a case study in most instances.