The Civil Society Parliamentary Network (CSPN) is an initiative by the People’s Majlis and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), with the aim of enhancing engagement between the People’s Majlis and civil society organisations. In February 2025, WFD Maldives in partnership with the People's Majlis held the first annual forum of CSPN, where participating organisations presented four policy briefs developed with the assistance of WFD.  

WFD Maldives invites civil society organisations (CSOs) to submit proposals to develop research and review papers for the second iteration of the CSPN annual forum due to be held in February-March 2026 (TBC). These papers will be presented to the relevant parliamentary committees to be taken into consideration in their committee work and legislative decision-making, included in the legislative library and archive, and presented at the CSPN annual forum in front of parliament and CSPN members. The aim of the annual forum is to provide an avenue for CSOs and People's Majlis for dialogue and consultation, enabling a more inclusive and participatory approach to policymaking.  

To this end, WFD Maldives is offering four grants of GBP 1,500 each to selected CSOs to support the development of impactful research papers for the second CSPN Annual Forum.  

Expression of Interest for Paper Submission  

Scope and expectations  

Selected CSOs will have five months (September - January) to complete their research papers, which will be presented at the Forum and to the relevant parliamentary committees to inform and engage parliamentarians and stakeholders in constructive dialogue.  

One representative from each CSO is required to present the research at the Forum, with all travel and participation expenses covered separately by WFD.  

Application and selection criteria  

• Significance: How does the proposed research or review address critical issues? Does it align with or contribute to ongoing legislative developments or currently ongoing bills?  
• Originality: The paper/research must be original and undertaken by the CSO itself. What different perspectives or ideas does it bring to the subject matter?  
• Research quality: How clear and rigorous is the methodology? Are the research process and findings well-documented, transparent, and robust?  
• Relevance and impact: Does the CSO have experience in this field? To what extent has the CSO engaged with relevant stakeholders? What potential does the research have to shape or inform policy?  

Details of the CSO  

1. Name of the representative submitting the form on behalf of the organisation  
2. Name of the organisation  
3. Phone number  
4. Email address  
5. City/island of operation  
6. Outlined below are the focus areas of the CSPN annual forum 2026. Please select the area that your paper will be focused on:  
   • Policymaking on mental health  
   • Cyber security and data protection  
   • Accountability in healthcare and medical negligence  
   • Multi-sectoral approach to tackle drug abuse  
   • Challenges and strategies to increase women’s participation in local governance
   • Climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies  
   • Justice and institutional reform  
   • Transparency and access to information  
   • Addressing challenges to small and medium-sized businesses  
   • Tackling social housing challenges  
   • Global standards and best practices on setting minimum age of criminal responsibility   

Details of the proposal  

Please attach a concept note for the research or review paper according to the guidelines below. The proposal should be no longer than total 5 pages.  

Title of the paper: Provide a clear and descriptive title  

Executive summary (less than 1 page): Include a concise overview of the paper’s focus, objectives, and anticipated contributions.  

Approach and methodology (up to 2 pages): Present and justify the proposed approach and methodology for the research or review. Include details on methods to secure participation, anticipated timelines, and any limitations to the approach.  

Research team and quality assurance (up to 1 page): Describe how the project will ensure high standards of quality assurance. Include a detailed schedule of key tasks and activities and clearly identify a focal point along with roles and responsibilities for each team member involved.  

Financial proposal (up to 1 page): Provide a comprehensive breakdown of costs, detailing each component to offer a transparent view of the proposed budget.  

Please complete the proposal and information stated above and email it to aryj.hussain@wfd.org and ismail.humaam@wfd.org by 14 September 2025 (Maldives time).