The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) is a bipartisan commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with over 20 partner parliaments around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislatures. HDP is proudly implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI).
In this month’s alumni profile, Shqipe Krasniqi, Senior Officer for Strategic Planning and Coordination of the Assembly of Kosovo, shares her experience participating in HDP programming.
What parliament and chamber are you a staff member of?
I am a staff member of the Assembly of Kosovo in the Office of the Secretary General, Coordination and Strategic Planning.
What HDP program did you participate in?
Since 2013, when I joined the Assembly, HDP programs have helped and continue to support our work. I have been a participant in two programs: “Enhancing Parliamentary Efficiency: Leveraging Data Driven Decision Making in the Legislative Process, Focus on Digital Tools, and Innovation Strategies,” held in Prishtina from December 5-7, 2023, and “Strengthening Research Services in the Assembly of Kosovo,” held in Washington, D.C. from May 21-27, 2022.
What do you want other people to know about your country?
Kosovo has enough natural, cultural, creative potential to explore. Friendship and hospitality are some of its virtues. It is considered that the best coffees ever are in Kosovo.
Why did you decide to become a staff member in parliament?
For years I served the government of Kosovo, and for five years I led the Agency for Gender Equality. Recognizing the role of the Assembly and considering it as the house of people, I expressed my desire to join the institution so that the work that I do can make an impact.
Looking back on the HDP program, what was most impactful for you?
Appreciation of the administration’s potential, trust, coordination, and teamwork.
How are you applying your experience from the HDP mission to your role as staff?
In the position of the Official for Coordination and Strategic Planning, I follow the development of the administration and I insist on putting new arguments for improvement from the benefits I saw in the U.S. Congress, and from the need that statistics are and remain the main basis of reliable operation.
What information, if any, that you gained through the HDP program have you shared with fellow staff members in parliament?
The need and opportunities for digitalization, the need and opportunities for using statistics and sharing information, sharing roles and responsibilities, and working in teams.
What advice would you give to new parliamentary staff?
The goals we have set need to be addressed properly.
What accomplishments in parliament are you most proud of?
My contribution to an open and transparent parliament, participation up to partnership of civil society in the work of the Assembly up to the membership of Kosovo in OGP. The integration of the Parliamentary Institute in the Strategic Plan of the Assembly, the creation and full coordination of supporting programs in the Assembly.
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