ADRN

The first session of the “Strengthening Civil Society Organizations in Myanmar 2017” program was held in Seoul, South Korea between the 6th and the 9th of August 2017. This program is a continuation of the 2016 “Strengthening Civil Society Organizations in Myanmar” program, and seeks to strengthen the institutional and research capacity of nascent think tanks in Myanmar so that they may develop new and innovative policies and ideas to support the democratic transition currently underway in Myanmar. In order to create synergy and facilitate the building and furthering of civil society networks in the Asia Pacific, participants from EAI’s partner organizations in Myanmar were invited to Seoul to attend the ADRN Seoul Forum from August 7-8th, which featured presentations from scholars, lawmakers, donor organizations, community stakeholders, and think tank members on topics related to the theme of “From Knowledge to Policy: Creating Impetus of Democracy Coalition.” On August 9th, a special seminar was held at EAI continuing the theme of the conference. Kaustuv Kanti Bandyopadhyay of PRIA presented his article “Development, democracy and participation: the curious case of social accountability”. The presentation was accompanied by a vibrant discussion on how to identify and apply appropriate accountability tools to the context of Myanmar. In addition, issues such as the role of civil society, the importance of trust-building between CSOs, community members, and lawmakers, and mechanisms to foster citizen participation in the governance process were raised. Participants will be embarking upon research projects over the upcoming year that tie into the themes and topics addressed at the ADRN Forum. This program is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Presenter (Seminar)
Kaustuv Bandyopadhyay, Participatory Research in Asia

ParticipantsNilar Myaing, Sandhi Governance Institute
Myo Zin Oo, Sandhi Governance Institute
Myo Aung Htwe, Yangon School of Political Science
Arkar Soe, Yangon School of Political Science
Htin Kyaw Aye, Open Myanmar Initiative
Hla Myo Kyaw, Open Myanmar Initiative
Myo Htet, Yone Kyi Yar
Kaung Myat Thu, Yone Kyi Yar
Shine Ko Ko Lwin, Salween Institute for Public Policy
Nu Tsen Mun, Salween Institute for Public Policy
Carol Moet Moet Aye, Another Development
Yay Chann, Another Development
Bawk La, Naushawng Development Institute
Nang Nu, Naushawng Development Institute