What is The Third Chamber?

The Third Chamber is a shadow parliament in the Netherlands for 120 Dutch nationals and 30 representatives from developing countries. It deals with international development. The members work on proposals to improve international cooperation and they discuss with Dutch politicians. In addition, members of The Third Chamber work to inform the Dutch public about all aspects of development cooperation. The Southern members of The Third Chamber are full members. Additionally, they function as advisors to the Dutch members. Their experiences will enable the Dutch to compare their proposals to what people from developing countries consider important. In February, May and November the Southern members will be in the Netherlands to meet the Dutch members.

What does a Third Chamber member do?

All members of The Third Chamber work on at least one proposal. Those proposals deal with Dutch development cooperation and other internationale issues. Are globalisation and free trade good or is there another answer to the economic troubles of Africa? Should the EU end its agricultural subsidies and what is the best way to do that? Does business have a role to play in international development? The millennium development goals of the United Nations are the framework for The Third Chamber. The Southern members of The Third Chamber spend about three weeks a year in the Netherlands. In between they stay in touch with the Dutch members through e-mail and by using the interactive web site.

Three important conferences

In September the Inauguration of The Third Chamber takes place. All Southern members attend that event. In the days preceding the Inauguration the Southern members have a special introductory programma. On Friday, the 12th and Saturday, the 13th of December, the so-called "North-South Weekend" takes place. This weekend is designed to facilitate exchange of information between the Dutch and the Southern members. In the week preceding that conference, the Southern members participate in a programme in the Netherlands to inform them about Dutch development policy. They will meet with civil servants, politicians and journalists. And of course they meet the Dutch members of The Third Chamber and get to know them. On 15 May 2009, the plenary session of The Third Chamber will take place. The plenary session is the final meeting of The Third Chamber. During that session, all proposals developed by members of The Third Chamber will be put to the vote. Dutch politicians will be present throughout the day to react to the proposals.

Why The Third Chamber?

The Third Chamber has a double aim. On the one hand, the aim is to develop innovative and creative proposals to improve Dutch development cooperation. Those proposals are presented to the Dutch government, politicians and the private sector. On the other hand, the project aims to strengthen public support for development cooperation. It is important to inform the Dutch audience about what goes on in the rest of the world and how they can influence that. In this way, The Third Chamber becomes a bridge between concerned citizens and politicians, a means to develop ideas and a platform for citizens of the global village.

Registration

Registration for The Third Chamber 2008-2009 is possible until 31 May 2008. Registration is only possible through this website. For more information you can contact the organisers of The Third Chamber on +31.20.5688757 or info@thethirdchamber.org.