The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative nurtures a new generation of young actors to promote inclusion, gender equality, respect for diversity, and prosperity for all in Myanmar. 

Following the February 2021 overthrow of Myanmar’s democratically elected government by the military, support continues for evidence-based public policy to achieve gender equality within a federal and inclusive democratic future.    

Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar was launched in 2017 by Global Affairs Canada and IDRC. An initial investment over five years helped to strengthen local research and analytical capacity after decades of systematic underinvestment that had eroded Myanmar’s internal capacity to generate sound advice for public policy.  

With renewed support from Global Affairs Canada, as announced in June 2022 as part of Canada’s strategy towards Myanmar, and IDRC, the current four-year phase of programming builds on this initial work and aims to protect gains in Myanmar’s civil society, with a particular focus on gender equality.  

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Website : Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar Initiative

Projects And Outputs

Call for small research proposals – Myanmar’s current issues in the “digital space”

The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM)-Phase-II Initiative run program invites researchers in Myanmar and the diaspora to submit proposals for research projects on issues of importance to the many social, political and economic challenges facing Myanmar and its citizens. We are particularly interested in research making use of digital tools (online surveys, online focus groups, etc) as well as research at the intersection of digital technology and current policy affairs (see more on topics below). 
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7th 3C Forum: Inclusive Higher Education for Refugees

7th 3C Forum: Inclusive Higher Education for Refugees co-organised by Opening Universities for Refugees (OUR), the Centre for Asia Pacific...
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Drawing from the Past: Supporting Future Peace in Myanmar

Dialogue event in Bangkok, November 29, 2023. The International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and...
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A conversation on Climate Change Crisis in Myanmar

In the midst of numerous crises, Myanmar faces a series of significant and complex challenges. According to the World Wildlife...
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Resilience Through The Lens – Photo Exhibition at Knowledge Marketplace 2023

Resilience Through The Lens – Photo Exhibition at Knowledge Marketplace 2023

Resilience Through The Lens is a photo exhibit being held as part of The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative's KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023: Exchanging Ideas for a Democratic Myanmar. which will be held on Friday, December 1st – Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, at Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai.
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Empowering Myanmar’s Youth: The Potential of Online Higher Education

In a blogpost for NORRAG (Network for international policies and cooperation in education and training) the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative's Edgard Rodriguez discusses the potential of online higher education to empower disadvantaged populations, with a focus on Myanmar’s displaced youth.
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The 2023 Knowledge Marketplace: exchanging ideas to tackle crises in Myanmar

Knowledge grows stronger when it is shared. With this maxim in mind, the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative, supported by IDRC and Global Affairs Canada, will bring together experts and other stakeholders for a three-day exchange of ideas for a more democratic future in Myanmar.
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Exploring Activism In Myanmar

We are excited to invite you to a special seminar jointly organized by the UBC Myanmar Initiative, the Center for...
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Challenges in Researching Local Administrative Structures in Post-coup Myanmar

We are excited to announce our next event in the 2023 Seminar Series, titled "𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬...
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NGOs Mediating Peace – Book Launch at the Knowledge Marketplace 2023

NGOs Mediating Peace: Promoting Inclusion in Myanmar’s Nationwide Ceasefire Negotiations. This book is being launched as part pf the K4DM Knowledge...
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A country with many histories: Myanmar’s diverse geographies of war and everyday life

𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗠𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗺𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲We are excited to announce our 3rd event...
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Gender Analysis Research Skills Training – Opening and Orientation session

Orientation session for the Gender Analysis Research Skills Training course be held every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks. Topic: Gender...
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Panel Discussion on Labour Politics in Post-Coup Myanmar

IHRDG Seminar Series #2: Panel Discussion on Labour Politics in Post-Coup Myanmar The second event in the Institute of Human...
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Myanmar Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop – Call for Participation

Myanmar Emerging Scholars and Young Leaders Workshop Call for Participation The University of British Columbia, in partnership with the Canadian...
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Defending Democracy? International Donor Spending in Myanmar

“Defending Democracy? International Donor Spending in Myanmar” is a briefing on international donor spending produced by the Myanmar Centre for...
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Exploring Ethnic Education Initiatives: Briefing and Updates

As part of the seminar series on post-coup higher education landscape, Spring University Myanmar (SUM) will be organising a panel...
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Capacity Assessment Findings of Feminist Movement in Myanmar

GenderLab Talk Series: Capacity Assessment Findings of Feminist Movement in Myanmar Greeting from our GenderLab Talk program again! We would...
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Revisiting the Polity: Making and Remaking of the Rohingya Identity in Myanmar

One of the schools of Spring University Myanmar, the Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Governance (IHRDG), is hosting a...
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Civically Engaged Higher Education: A Force of Resilience Under Military Rule in Burma

Webinar: Civically Engaged Higher Education: A Force of Resilience Under Military Rule in BurmaDate: July 6, 2023Time: US Eastern 9:00...
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IDRC Research Chair on Forced Displacement – Nyi Nyi Kyaw

Nyi Nyi Kyaw is IDRC's Research Chair on Forced Displacement at The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development...
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IDRC Research Chair on Forced Displacement – Paula Banerjee

Professor Banerjee is IDRC's Research Chair on Forced Displacement at the Asian Institute of Technology’s Gender and Development Studies (GDS)...
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Canada’s Leadership Role in Ending the Rohingya Crisis

K4DM fellows, Javet Ealom from University of Toronto and John Jonaid of the Parliamentary Center, will be in the 19th...
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Call for Papers – Rebuilding Prospects for Peace in Post-Coup Myanmar

Call for Papers – Rebuilding Prospects for Peace in Post-Coup Myanmar

Call for Papers | Rebuilding Prospects for Peace: Gender, Civil Society and Informal Peace Spaces in Post-Coup Myanmar. Ottawa Dialogue
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Invitation: Open Course on Freedom of Expression in Myanmar

The Centre for Law and Democracy (CLD) invites you to join our online course, Freedom of Expression: International Law and the Practice in Myanmar.
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Women’s agency in armed struggles in Myanmar’s Spring Revolution

Aye Lei Tun, a McMaster University doctoral candidate and K4DM-University of British Columbia Myanmar Initiative Fellow will be presenting her research at...
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Extended deadline: SHAPE-SEA research grants programme

Extended Call! Research Grants Programme 2023. SHAPE-SEA Programme Phase Two seeks to leverage on our achievements and our vision to build a culture of human rights and peace in Southeast Asia.
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GenderLab Talk Series #2: Advancing Gender Equality in Federalism

GenderLab Talk Series #2: Advancing Gender Equality in Federalism Dr. Marcus Brand 11th May 2023 (Thursday)  3:30 to 5:00PM MM time
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GenderLab Talk Series – Dialogue Session: Principles of Democracy and Federalism

GenderLab Talk Series #1 - Dialogue Session: Principles of Democracy and Federalism AIT
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GenderLab Talk Series #1: Principles of Democracy and Federalism

GenderLab Talk Series #1: Principles of Democracy and Federalism AIT
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Gender and federalism in Myanmar – GenderLab Talk Series

Gender and federalism in Myanmar GenderLab Talk Series hosted by Gender and Development Studies(GDS) Program @ AIT
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Research Skills – Introductory Skills for Social Researchers

Research Skills is a course for adult learners. It will introduce you to the knowledge and skills required for undertaking a social research project. It is particularly suitable for post-secondary and tertiary-level students who want an introduction to basic research skills and concepts. Each chapter in Research Skills provides clear explanations, exercises to check comprehension and frequent opportunities to use the skills in practical activities.
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MA Scholarships – Forced Displacement in Southeast Asia. Apply now.

The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development (RCSD), Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, is inviting applications...
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Canadian-Myanmar Research Fellowship Program AY 2023-2024

The School of Public Policy (CMU-SPP) at Chiang Mai University in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) provides...
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Canada-Myanmar IDRC Fellowship. Gender and Development Studies at AIT

Canada- Myanmar IDRC Fellowship(short-term and long-term)Scholarship for Certificate / One-year master’s ProgramForGender and Development Studies Canada-Myanmar IDRC Fellowship is funded...
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Tea and a quiet word: How women influence peace talks in Myanmar

Women are crucial to Myanmar’s peace in advocating for women’s protection and inter-ethnic cooperation in the country. Photo by Pyae...
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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Myanmar Studies – University of British Columbia

The Institute of Asian Research in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia...
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Call for small research proposals – Myanmar’s current issues in the “digital space”

The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) program invites researchers in Myanmar and the diaspora to submit proposals for research projects on issues of importance to the many social, political and economic challenges facing Myanmar and its citizens. We are particularly interested in research making use of digital tools (online surveys, online focus groups, etc) as well as research at the intersection of digital technology and current policy affairs (see more on topics below).
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Canada-Myanmar IDRC Fellowship – For Gender and Development Studies at AIT

Canada- Myanmar IDRC Fellowship For Gender and Development Studies at AIT Scholarship for Certificate / One-year master’s Program - (short-term...
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Initiative nurtures new generation of actors for an inclusive Myanmar

Initiative nurtures new generation of actors for an inclusive Myanmar

IDRC Initiative nurtures new generation of actors for an inclusive MyanmarNovember 23, 2022 Article from IDRC webpage (version française) Four...
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Full Agenda for the K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE Bangkok 2022

K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Bangkok 2022Exchanging Ideas for a Democratic Myanmar FULL AGENDA Fri 25th Day 1 Sat 26th Day...
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Call for Papers – 2023 Myanmar Update – From Coup to Revolution

(Photo credit: Phoe Thar) Event details Proposal Deadline: Fri, 16 Dec 2022, 5pm Event Location: The Australian National University Academic...
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Roundtable Discussion: “Thought leadership to advance knowledge for Myanmar: What should come next?”

Friday 25th November, 4:00pm – 5:30pm. Join us for a Roundtable Discussion: “Thought leadership to advance knowledge for Myanmar: What...
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Through Eyes of Leadership: Women of Shan State

Through Eyes of Leadership: Women of Shan State

Tuesday, Nov 22 – Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 THROUGH EYES OF LEADERSHIP: WOMEN OF SHAN STATEK4DM Photo Exhibition at the...
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Tea Circle Blog

https://youtu.be/2dVtYOavI-4 Tea Circle is a forum for new perspectives on Myanmar, highlighting analysis, research, opinions, book reviews, multi-media presentations and...
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K4DM Annual Report 2021

Knowledge for Democracy – Myanmar (K4DM) InitiativeAnnual Report (April 2020 – March 2021) Click for full report Undoubtedly, 2020 was...
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Inclusive Myanmar December 2020

မြန်မာဘာသာဖြင့်ဖတ်ရှုလိုပါက၊ ဤနေရာတွင်နှိပ်ပါ။To read this newsletter in Myanmar language, please click here.Pour lire ce bulletin en français, veuillez cliquer ici. Inclusive...
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Myanmar research community contributes to electoral policy debates

October 13, 2020 Research in Action story from IDRC Support for policy-relevant research helps to inform electoral debate in Myanmar....
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A key role for think tanks in Myanmar’s development

August 14, 2020 Perspectives article from IDRC website adapted from a blog post that first appeared in The Tea Circle. KNOWLEDGE...
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Doing Research in Myanmar: Bridging the Research Gap to Improve Development Policies

BY TEACIRCLEOXFORDPOSTED ON JULY 27, 2020 Reproduced from original post on TeaCircleOxford Francesco Obino, Zaw Oo and Edgard Rodriguez introduce a report on...
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Meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar

July 8, 2020 Research in Action article from IDRC AREELUCK PHANKHIAN/ILOCOVID-19 has forced many migrant workers back to Myanmar from...
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K4DM Annual Report 2020

Knowledge for Democracy – Myanmar InitiativeAnnual Report (April 2019 – March 2020)June 2020  Click for full report Executive Summary The...
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Myanmar researchers train with international group of think tanks

March 31, 2020 Research in Action story from IDRC Lwin Mang Maung Swe, Thurein Aung, and Saw Kapru Soe (from...
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A Key Role for Think Tanks in Myanmar’s Development

BY TEACIRCLEOXFORDPOSTED ON FEBRUARY 26, 2020 Reproduce from original post on TeaCircleOxford Edgard Rodriguez considers the role of investing in think tanks to...
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Sparking change through research

Social scientists in Myanmar seeking to understand the factors that influence women’s participation in politics and the economy are finding...
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Formative Evaluation at midterm of the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar Initiative

Suneeta Singh, Kyi Minn, Yosha Singh December 2019 Read the report The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) is a five-year...
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Inclusive Myanmar – October 2019

Quarterly NewsletterOctober 2019 – 7th Edition Produced by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar, the “Inclusive Myanmar” newsletter covers stories and activities...
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A sustained effort to foster evidence-based decision-making in Myanmar

September 24, 2019 Research in Action article from IDRC IDRC Over the course of its near 50-year history, IDRC has...
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Knowledge forum in Myanmar promotes research for sustained reform

July 3, 2019 News from IDRC website More than 100 individuals from 30 institutions are attending the Knowledge Forum in...
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Inclusive Myanmar July 2019

A healthy democracy requires that citizens and their institutions have the necessary skills to generate, access and use evidence to...
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K4DM Annual Report 2019

Knowledge for Democracy - Myanmar InitiativeAnnual Report (April 2018 – March 2019) Click for full report Executive Summary Over the...
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Increasing gender equality in an evolving democracy

Researchers on the ground in Myanmar are investigating how women can get more involved in policymaking to ensure their voices...
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Inclusive Myanmar – November 2018

Quarterly Newsletter November 2018 - 4th Edition Produced by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar, the “Inclusive Myanmar” newsletter covers stories and...
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Myanmar’s largest state parliament develops better research skills

November 1, 2018 Research in Action article from IDRC Parliamentary Centre Training with members and staff of the Shan State...
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Myanmar students gain research skills and experience in Canada

September 17, 2018 Research in Action article from IDRC UBC School of Public Policy and Global AffairsKhin Yu Yu Win...
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Inclusive Myanmar – September 2018

Quarterly NewsletterSeptember 2018 – 3rd Edition Produced by Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar, the “Inclusive Myanmar” newsletter covers stories and activities...
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K4DM Annual Report 2018

Knowledge for Democracy - Myanmar InitiativeFirst Annual Report to Global Affairs Canada 12th January 2017 – 31st March 2018 Executive...
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Shan State parliamentarians strengthen their research skills

December 18, 2017 Research in Action article from IDRC In Shan State — one of Myanmar’s 21 states, regions, and...
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