Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “parliamentary diplomacy” is as follows:

• Parliamentary diplomacy is a regular part of the activity of parliament.
• Delegations for bilateral visits and to multilateral parliamentary bodies are inclusive and reflect the composition of parliament and the diversity of society. Political, gender and age quotas for delegations are mandated in parliament’s rules of procedure. If international bodies require such quotas for parliamentary delegations, parliament respects them.
• Parliament receives support and information from the executive prior to international engagements.
• Reports are produced following international engagements and are made available to all MPs and the public.
• A specialized body exists to coordinate the preparation of, and the communication and reporting on, parliamentary diplomacy activities. This body produces regular summaries of the work of international organizations and the results of meetings and events.
• Parliament has an international relations department or other, similar body tasked with supporting MPs in conducting international engagements.

Based on a global comparative analysis, an aspiring goal for parliaments in the area of “foreign affairs and international agreements” is as follows:

• The legal framework clearly establishes parliament’s role with regard to foreign policy. Parliament has a committee with a broad mandate to oversee government policy and action on foreign affairs.
• Parliament is legally responsible for the ratification of international agreements that include significant national obligations. The executive is required to report to parliament on the implementation of international agreements. Where the State is required to report to an international body, the report is debated in parliament first. Parliament also plays an active role in scrutinizing agreements with international financial institutions.
• Parliament has in-house expertise on foreign policy issues and has access to information and regular updates from the executive on such issues, including on the preparation of international agreements.