Update from JPC Christopher Dew (UNDP Bhutan): The Value of Connectivity in Remote Areas-"Virtual Zomdu"


Parliamentarians meet virtually with their constituents.

Over the last month or so Christopher Dew has been primarily focused upon the Virtual Zomdu project, which aims to link parliamentarians to their constituents via video conferencing facilities - something that is particularly beneficial for the rugged and remote territory there, where it can take MPs several days just to drive to their constituency from Thimphu.  Specifically, he has been directing the project task force made up of government officials from the Gross National Happiness Commission, National Assembly, National Council, Ministry of Information and Communications, Department of Local Government, and Bhutan Post.  Just recently, they completed 6 weeks of feasibility testing involving the procurement of hardware and testing at two remote constituencies out east (over 9 days of travel through some amazing scenery!) and their MPs in parliament in Thimphu, one of which included the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly.  

UNA-Canada JPC Chris Dew (right).
The testing went extremely well and after consolidating and reviewing the feedback they are now focused upon upscaling the project to both the NA and NC in parliament and all 205 community centers across Bhutan.

Attached, are relevant links to some media coverage and project video which explain it in more detail:

UNA-Canada JPC, Chris Dew, explains the value of Virtual Zomdu in a UNDP mini documetary
Beyond Virtual Zomdu, he has been helping to plan the International Democracy Day which will be taking place at Sherubtse College on the 15th, assisted in preparing the Mid-Year Review presentation for Governance partners in July, have consolidated feedback into the soon to be published 'Civil Society and Media Assessment Report', and developing the Civil Engagement ProDoc whenever there is time.

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