As part of the engagement of parliaments in the writing of the World e Parliament Report 2021, CIP mobilized and consulted through its hubs around 40 parliaments, including their chief information officers, chief technology officers, IT directors and digital communications leads. The consultation was to provide a wealth of knowledge on parliaments’ COVID-19 responses and the innovations and new practices developed. The CIP Steering Committee also met to discuss the key themes to cover in the virtual World e-Parliament Conference from 16 to 18 June 2021.

The IPU published the first social media guidelines for parliaments in 2013. The guidelines went on to become an authoritative source for parliaments to assess their digital communications and social engagement tools and practices. The digital world does not stand still; since 2013, many things have changed, and social media has become even more embedded in our lives. The IPU has therefore updated its material and published a new social media guide for parliaments and parliamentarians. It offers useful background information, a 'how-to' playbook, and parliamentary case studies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clearer: the internet is more critical than ever for maintaining basic economic processes, social interaction and a minimum of cultural life. The priorities should therefore include meaningful access for all people, good digital policies and internet governance, and ensuring that public officials and information are trusted. Yet challenges remain, including the digital divide, and the need for more multilateralism and multi stakeholder cooperation across the board. The IPU Centre for Innovation in Parliament and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs were pleased to jointly host the Second Parliamentary Roundtable at the ‎annual ‎meeting of the Internet Governance Forum in November 2020.