Events
On June 10th, 2017, the Yangon School of Political Science (YSPS) held a closed-door seminar to present their research on the topic of “Constituent Development Funds in the Yangon Region” conducted in 2015-2016 with the support of EAI as part of the “Strengthening Civil Society in Myanmar” program. The seminar was attended by members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Party as well as members of the local government and other civil society organizations. Myo Aung Htwe, director and co-founder of YSPS, gave a thoughtful and informative presentation on the history of constituent development funds, focusing on the changes in their administration following the partial transition of power from the military government to the NLD and highlighting areas for improvement. The report examined how the allocation of these funds could be made more efficient and contribute more effectively to the development of poorer Yangon townships and the country as a whole. The audience response to the presentation was quite positive, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the practical policy recommendations provided and indicating their willingness to engage further on the topic.
This seminar was held as part of a series of local seminars hosted by each of the participating institutions in the Strengthening Civil Society in Myanmar program of 2016. These seminars are intended to facilitate a direct channel for civil society organizations to disseminate their research and ideas to local government officials and other stakeholders.
Strengthening Civil Society in Myanmar is a program funded in part by the National Endowment by Democracy and the Open Society Foundation and administered by the East Asia Institute. It aims to enhance the research and institutional capacity of civil society organizations in Myanmar to conduct independent, methodologically sound policy research to contribute to the ongoing political, social, and economic development of the country.
The Yangon School of Political Science was founded on September 5, 2011 by former political prisoners. YSPS provides systematic knowledge on political science to whoever is interested in learning more about the topic through trainings, seminars, and courses. Their mission is to be an academic institution delivering knowledge to transform Burma into a free, just and tolerant society with informed, empowered and liberated citizens and to be a leading front in the liberal philosophical movement and research.
