Pro Public in partnership with National Democratic Institute-Nepal (NDI-N), and local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) conducted Community Dialogue and Round Table Discussion between members of parliaments, local experts, and local community on the burning developmental issue of 10 districts (Dhankuta, Siraha, Bara, Nuwakot, Syangja, Kapilbstu, Surkhet, Dailekh, Doti and Kanchanpur) since 2009 to 2012. The program aimed at developing a culture of dialogue between people and their representatives where people can share their concerns openly and demand for their developmental needs. It also targets to enhance capacity of Legislative Parliament Members to address their constituency’s needs in better way and make them more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people of their respective constituency. The program also aimed to support policy focused discussion at the district level and allow public to ask question with their representative directly and thus strengthen democratic values and norms in country. This program has also help to build the capacity of the local NGOs to promote dialogue at the local level.

The capacity building initiative undertaken involved training sessions for representatives from local NGOs in various districts, totaling 60 individuals from 20 NGOs. Collaborating with NDI, these sessions equipped participants with coordination skills, knowledge for conducting round table discussions, and media campaign skills surrounding program events. These trained representatives played a crucial role in facilitating community dialogues where pressing issues were identified and discussed. These issues, selected through a meticulous process, spanned diverse topics such as physical infrastructure, tourism promotion, cultural conservation, deforestation, agriculture, water resources, technical education, and environmental protection. Over 2000 local stakeholders engaged in these discussions, with 40 parliament members also participating and addressing raised concerns.

Following the initial dialogue, a Monitoring and Follow-up Committees were established to track progress. Six months later, a second round of community dialogues were held to assess progress, with discussions broadcasted live on local FM radio and covered extensively by local media outlets. The program fostered optimism among stakeholders, who pledged future collaboration. A desire for continued programs with parliamentary involvement was expressed by participants. Subsequently, Round Table Discussions were conducted to delve deeper into identified issues, involving LPMs, experts, and selected community dialogue participants. The aim was to further shape discussions and select key issues for intervention, leading to the formation of monitoring committees chaired by Local Development Officers and comprising representatives from CSOs, media, intellectuals, and partner NGOs. These committees held periodic meetings to ensure effective follow-up.