New institute to promote democracy and development
By Max LaneDuring the Asia Pacific Solidarity Conference, the interim council of the Asia Pacific Institute for Democratisation and Development met and confirmed its membership.
The members are Syed Husin Ali (PRM, Malaysia), Nico Warouw (PRD, Indonesia), Renato Constantino Jr (Sanlakas, Philippines), Dr Francisco Nemenzo (BISIG, Philippines), Ana Maria Nemenzo (WomenHealth, Philippines), Max Lane (DSP, Australia), Dr Helen Jarvis (DSP, Australia) and Dr Sunil Ratnapriya (NSSP, Sri Lanka).
The council met again immediately after the conference and resolved to quickly expand the institute's membership. Representatives from Thailand, India and Pakistan attended and will be invited to join the council.
The council also resolved to publish a selection of conference talks, to publish a brochure outlining its program of activities and to seek to expand the institute's home page, link it to the home pages of parties and movements in the region and help find resources for more parties and movements to have their own home page.
The council decided to meet again by December.
The institute is a new initiative in the region. From February to May, 1997, a range of individuals from political movements, community organisations and universities consulted about the need for greater regional coordination and dialogue regarding current struggles against authoritarianism, violations of the right to self-determination and the antisocial and economic impacts of the worldwide neo-liberal offensive.
An interim council was formed to establish the institute. The provisional aims were agreed as:
1. To promote research and disseminate ideas on how to ensure socially just and environmentally sustainable development, as well as real democracy.
2. To facilitate dialogue and cooperation between the academic community, the NGO community and people's movements, such as political parties, trade unions and campaign committees.