International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP) officially launches
On 27 August 2018, ICDP is hosting a reception in Sydney to celebrate its first anniversary and achievements in progressing the Australian government’s Pacific Connect program to build strong relationships with emerging Pacific leaders.
From beginning operations ten months ago, ICDP has much to share with its partners and supporters. Guests will include prominent government, business, academic and civil society leaders and influencers.
As an independent, non-profit, non-political organisation ICDP’s mandate is:
1) expanding and strengthening Australian-Pacific connections;
2) Contributing to jobs and business opportunities, economic growth and development in the Pacific; and
3) Increasing Australia’s regional influence by cultivating meaningful and enduring relationships between Australian and Pacific individuals and organisations.
ICDP’s value increases and benefits from a growing and inclusive Network comprising highly influential individuals and organisations, and enthusiastic emerging leaders from Australia and the Pacific. ICDP is building this Network through implementing Pacific Connect – a program announced by Prime Minister Turnbull at the 48th Pacific Islands Forum in Samoa on 8 September 2017.
ICDP is proud of its record. Since commencing operations in October 2017, ICDP has been working with local leadership both in Australia and in Fiji, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands to help initiate and facilitate a number of Dialogues and practical projects with individuals and organisations for engagement under the Pacific Connect theme of ‘Australia-Pacific Connections for the Digital Future’.
Through these engagements, a number of exciting projects have emerged ranging from using blockchain solutions to track sustainable supply chains in PNG to a virtual reality immersive story-telling scheme and establishing a creative industries hub in Samoa. A “teach the teacher” online course for Pacific tertiary institutions in Online Education, with a particular emphasis in mobile devices is to be researched; and an annual Pacific Connect Forum will be held in Australia on 6 September 2018 to help Pacific Island leaders broaden their networks.
Incorporated on 18 July 2017, ICDP is a model designed by the institute for active policy Global Access Partners (GAP) following detailed consultations with its members, stakeholders, supporters and expert groups, and after two years of research on the region. ICDP works in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and is strongly supported by GAP and Pacific Connect’s implementation partner, Strategic Development Group – a prominent development consulting firm with strong networks in the Pacific.
Tina Briggs is the programme coordinator for the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships. She has extensive experience in project management across government, private, and not for profit sectors and has worked in international development with the Kenyan and Botswanan Red Cross.
