ECPL Competitors

The United Nations Development Programme works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results. DISCLAIMER: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) does not guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of any comments posted to its social media outlets (blogs, social networks, message boards/forums, etc.). Users must not post any content that is obscene, defamatory, profane, libelous, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful or embarrassing to any person or entity. UNDP reserves the right to delete or edit any comments that it considers inappropriate or unacceptable, and to delete off-topic comments in order to foster conversations about the topics shared on this page.

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa's rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion, and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African states as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Our Headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. The vision of the African Union is that of: “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”. Our mission is to become “An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens”. The values that guide and govern our function and operations are: • Respect for diversity and teamwork • Think Africa above all; • Transparency and accountability • Integrity and Impartiality; • Efficiency and Professionalism; and • Information and Knowledge sharing

Parliament plays an important role in the life of the nation. It is elected to represent the citizens of South Africa according to the Constitution. Parliament is the place where laws are passed and where important issues of the day are discussed. It is the place where the views of citizens can be heard directly by parliamentary committees. Parliament also keeps the executive and state institutions accountable. Parliament is made up of two 'houses' - the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The National Assembly represents the people, chooses the President, provides a forum for debate, passes laws, and oversees the executive. The NCOP represents the provinces to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government, participates in passing laws, provides a forum for debate of provincial issues, and ensures that local government is represented at national level. Both houses participate in debating and voting on the Budget. Most of this work is done by Members of Parliament (MPs) sitting in parliamentary committees.