Amidst a challenging global context of geopolitical turmoil,economic uncertainty,increased polarisation,and advancing autocratisation,democracy requires vigilant defenders. DRI is fully aware of this and committed to enhancing its ongoing work towards defending democracy worldwide. Therefore,we create spaces for dialogue and reflection on improving our strategies,approaches,and processes.
One such space is our Annual Meeting,which brings together our board,shareholders,executive team,and staff from HQ and our country offices. This year,we held an extended edition of our Annual Meeting,setting spaces for reflection on diverse topics from 27-30 May.
With sessions dedicated to our current operational context,strategy implementation,our country offices and the improvement of our inteal processes,our Annual Meeting was a great opportunity to listen to the diverse perspectives of the different teams that make up DRI. One conce for many participants was the added challenge of supporting democracy at a time when govements,institutions,and other relevant actors shift their focus towards security.
IIn response to the growing interest in political polarization within the organization,DRI welcomed Dr. Murat Somer of Koç University (Istanbul),who delivered a presentation titled Political Polarisation: Trends and Challenges? What Does It Mean for Democracy NGOs. Dr. Somer argued that some degree of polarisation is inherent to democracy and can be an effective tool for mobilising citizens. However,polarisation becomes harmful when it is persistent,vilifies societal opponents,and erodes cross-cutting ties among political groups. To counter polarization,Dr. Somer recommended focusing not on arguments based solely on rules or the rule of law,but on implementing depolarising political strategies and advocating for broad democratisation across the political spectrum.
Staff also led a series of sessions focusing on communications,monitoring and leaing,our country office model,and our new strategy for digital democracy; all in the spirit of identifying the most innovative and effective methods to further DRI’s mission of strengthening democracy worldwide.