PIPS, UNDP sign MoU to advance parliamentary capacity and governance reforms

Islamabad, 24 June 2026 - The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 June 2026 to strengthen collaboration on parliamentary functions, knowledge generation, policy engagement, and support for governance reforms in Pakistan.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Muhammad Asim Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS, and Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Goraya noted that PIPS serves as Pakistan's premier bipartisan capacity-building and policy engagement institute, supporting members of the national and provincial assemblies. He stated that the MoU marks an important step in formalizing and expanding cooperation with UNDP to support stronger institutions, more effective governance, and inclusive development outcomes across the country.

The partnership will build on ongoing cooperation between the two institutions to strengthen parliamentary capacity, evidence-based policymaking, and knowledge sharing, most notably through the National Governance Programme, supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office- supported and implemented by UNDP.

Through targeted technical assistance and institutional support to select Parliamentary Standing Committees and their secretariats, the collaboration will promote stronger legislative oversight, informed policy dialogue, and more effective engagement between Parliament and the executive on key national priorities.

Dr. Rizk highlighted the critical role of strong institutions in driving sustainable development and effective governance. "Parliaments play a central role in shaping policies, strengthening accountability and oversight, and responding to citizens' needs. Through this partnership, UNDP and PIPS will work together to strengthen individual and institutional capacities and reforms that deliver tangible development outcomes for the people of Pakistan," he said.

The initiative forms part of UNDP's broader support to strengthening institutions and systems across Pakistan. Through the Reforms and Innovation for High Performance in Government Project, UNDP promotes a whole-of-government approach to reform, working with local champions to ensure sustainability, ownership and impact. Collaboration with key public sector institutions such as PIPS enables UNDP to support the Government of Pakistan in advancing reform efforts linked to key national priorities.

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For further details, please contact: Fizza Bangash, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan, at [email protected]

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