Home Highlights 2025 Legislating for the Future: Parliaments Gather in Montevideo to Embrace Anticipatory Governance and Advance Democratic Renewal

Legislating for the Future: Parliaments Gather in Montevideo to Embrace Anticipatory Governance and Advance Democratic Renewal

May 29, 2025 | Activity

Photo Credit: Parliament of Uruguay

With global dynamics rapidly evolving and democratic institutions facing mounting pressures, the 21st ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and 9th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network convened in Montevideo, Uruguay, from May 27 to 29, 2025, under the theme Legislating for the Future: Harnessing Anticipatory Governance in Parliamentary Action.”

Hosted by the Parliament of Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the three-day gathering brought together parliamentarians, international experts, civil society actors, and representatives of multilateral organizations for high-level dialogues and working sessions aimed at strengthening parliamentary responses to emerging challenges. Through the complementary frameworks of anticipatory governance and open parliament, participants explored how foresight, inclusive policy making, and broad-based stakeholder engagement can enhance the capacity of legislatures to manage transitions, address complex risks, and shape long-term strategies for a more just, inclusive, sustainable, and democratic future.

The opening session featured remarks by Member of the Chamber of Deputies Carlos Varela Nestier of Uruguay, who emphasized the importance of strengthening regional spaces for collaborative dialogue to address converging crises such as climate change, security, and technological disruption. In her video message, Senator Blanca Ovelar of Paraguay, outgoing President of ParlAmericas, highlighted the opportunity and responsibility of parliaments to contribute to a more prosperous future by incorporating anticipatory governance into their work. Senator Javier Macaya of Chile, President of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament Network, emphasized the need to adopt a forward-looking vision to strengthen democratic institutions and reconnect with citizens through openness and innovation. Carolina Cosse, Vice-President of Uruguay and President of the Senate, underscored the need to reduce inequalities and strengthen social protection systems as the foundation for a more equitable future.

These opening reflections framed the dialogues that followed, which emphasized the role of scientific evidence, inclusive participation, and intergenerational dialogue in making parliaments more responsive to the complex dynamics of the 21st century.

The first thematic session set the tone for the gathering’s forward-looking agenda, highlighting the value of anticipatory governance and strategic foresight in legislative work. Discussions emphasized the use of scientific evidence to inform policymaking, with national experiences shared from Canada, Chile, and Sint Maarten. Uruguay’s Futures Committee was also featured as a regional reference for institutionalizing foresight and promoting more inclusive, long-term approaches to governance.

This set the stage for a deeper examination of how parliaments can respond to disruptive technological trends. Participants engaged in a forward-looking dialogue on the implications of artificial intelligence and the growing influence of major technology companies. The discussions underscored the need for parliaments to play a leading role in shaping digital transformation through rights-based, ethical frameworks. Special attention was given to closing digital divides, addressing the disproportionate risks faced by children, adolescents, and women in online environments, and ensuring that digital governance serves the common good.

Participants also examined climate governance through a foresight lens, emphasizing the importance of anticipating environmental risks and integrating scientific evidence into legislative responses. The exchanges highlighted the far-reaching impacts of climate change on ecosystems, public health, food systems, and care structures particularly for rural and Indigenous women. These reflections reinforced the need for inclusive, sustainable, and intersectional approaches to environmental policy.

A dedicated session on open parliament featured exchanges on legislative transparency, citizen participation, and institutional integrity. Parliamentarians from across the region shared experiences with civic technology, digital tools, and co-creation mechanisms aimed at strengthening public trust and enabling more inclusive legislative processes. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to reinforcing accountability, promoting innovation in parliamentary practices, and ensuring that legislatures remain open and responsive to citizens’ needs.

Expanding the discussion to long-term social trends, parliamentarians reflected on the challenges and opportunities of the region’s demographic transition, with a focus on population aging, intergenerational justice, and the future of care systems, labour markets, and pension models. Foresight exercises were used to explore how long-term demographic shifts can inform inclusive, forward-looking legislative planning. The session emphasized the importance of meaningful youth representation in public decision-making and the need to institutionalize intergenerational dialogue as part of future-oriented governance.

Across these diverse themes, a common thread was the recognition that democratic systems are under growing strain and that parliaments must play a key role in rebuilding public trust and renewing the social contract. Discussions on democratic backsliding, polarization, and declining institutional confidence highlighted the importance of fostering civic space, promoting proactive transparency, and diversifying participation. Special emphasis was placed on creating opportunities for meaningful deliberation and intergenerational dialogue as a means of strengthening democratic legitimacy.

The Declaration adopted by consensus during the Plenary Assembly reaffirmed the shared vision that anchored the gathering: a commitment to integrating anticipatory governance and open parliament principles into legislative work as tools to navigate long-term transformations and renew democracy. It articulates a political agenda rooted in human rights, intergenerational justice, and inclusive participation, and calls for deeper regional cooperation to ensure that public decision-making remains legitimate, future-oriented, and responsive to the complex realities facing the Hemisphere.

The 21st Plenary Assembly also served as the venue for the election of ParlAmericas’ political leadership. Senator Iván Flores of Chile was elected President, and the Honourable Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate of Saint Lucia was elected Vice-President. Their election marks the beginning of a new chapter in the organization’s ongoing efforts to advance democratic cooperation across the Hemisphere, building on the dedicated leadership of outgoing President Senator Blanca Ovelar of Paraguay and Vice-President Bridgid Annisette-George of Trinidad and Tobago. As a celebration of the 9th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, the composition of its governing body, the Executive Committee, was also renewed, reflecting the organization’s broader commitment to inclusive leadership and balanced regional representation.

Photo Credit: Parliament of Uruguay
This activity was made possible with the support of the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.