KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023
Exchanging Ideas for a Democratic Myanmar

image for K4DM Knowledge Marketplace - Chiang Mai 2023

The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), is pleased to invite you to the 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 & SPP, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. Satellite events will be held in Bangkok on 29th November & 1st December and Vancouver on 22nd November.

Four years of online training, fellowships and support for research on digital rights continues as part of the second phase of the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative which launched last year at K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Bangkok 2022.

For further information about the agenda and the event please contact: myanmar@idrc.ca



Book Launches

Conflict, Complexity & Climate Change. Book cover. Ashley South

TRIPLE CRISIS IN MYANMAR:
COUP, COVID & CLIMATE CHANGE

A conversation on Climate Change and Myanmar
Friday 1st December (Chang Mai)

4:00pm – 6:30pm
Venue: Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University [Room 1 & Networking Area]

CLIMATE CHANGE BOOKS

Conflict, Complexity and Climate Change:
Emergent federal systems and resilience in post-coup Myanmar

Author: Ashley South
RCSD & IDRC




Triple Crisis in Myanmar: Coup, Covid & Climate Change
Editors: Gustaaf Houtman & Chayan Vaddhanaphuti
RCSD





Higher Education in Post-coup Myanmar

Saturday 2nd December (Chang Mai)
11:00am – 12:00pm, Venue: Room 1, Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University
C:\Users\julia.palmiano\Desktop\photos\Myanmar\DSCF3647.JPG
NGOs Mediating Peace:
Promoting Inclusion in Myanmar’s Nationwide Ceasefire Negotiations


Author: Julia Palmiano Federer
Ottawa Dialogue

Wednesday 29th November (Bangkok) as part of event
Drawing from the Past: Supporting Future Peace in Myanmar
15:00 – 17:30, Venue: Chulalongkorn Social Innovation Hub, Chulalongkorn University

Photo Exhibition: Resilience Through The Lens

@ Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University. December 1st – 3rd


AGENDA

Pre-Marketplace Events in November

DateLocationAgenda (Brief Summary)
22 Nov VancouverUniversity British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. Exploring Activism in Myanmar. Seminar & book launch
22 NovOnlineEducation Beyond Borders: The Role of International Universities in Myanmar’s Education. Roundtable
29 NovBangkokDrawing from the Past: Supporting Future Peace in Myanmar. A conversation on peace by University of Ottawa and Mahidol University at Chulalongkorn University.
1 DecBangkok7th 3C Forum: Inclusive Higher Education for Refugees

Winter School – School of Public Policy – Chiang Mai University

DateAgenda (Brief Summary) — Chiang Mai
27 Nov Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy Winter school
28 NovSPP Winter school and K4DM sponsored dinner
Guest Speaker: Michael Gray
29 NovSPP Winter school
30 NovSPP Winter school and K4DM sponsored dinner
Guest speaker: Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd

K4DM Knowledge Marketplace 2023 – Chiang Mai University

Date Agenda (Brief Summary) — Chiang Mai
Friday
1 Dec
K4DM Knowledge Marketplace at SPP & Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University.
Evening kick-off K4DM Knowledge Marketplace with opening remarks followed by a conversation on Climate Change Crisis in Myanmar and opening of the Exhibit: Resilience through the lens. Earlier in the day at SPP include several K4DM training sessions including Digital Writing Clinic in English and Burmese, a Digital Rights workshop and Visualizing Social Policy Research plus the final day of the SPP Winter School.
Saturday
2 Dec
K4DM Knowledge Marketplace at Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University.
Report launch on Higher education in Post-coup Myanmar; Climate Crisis and Community Voices- Risks, Research and the Road ahead; A conversation on the resilience of Myanmar; Voices from the Ground: Challenges, Opportunities, and Barriers for the Students of Higher Education in Myanmar; Facing multiple crisis through research, Focus on Rohingya in a Future Democratic Myanmar and evening dialogue on Gender Policy (closed session).
Sunday
3 Dec
K4DM Knowledge Marketplace at Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University.
Gender and Federalism in Myanmar; Challenges and Hopes for Digital Education in Myanmar; Gender and Diversity: Special Needs of Women Workers in the Garment Sector; Empowering Advocacy: Myanmar’s Journey After the 2021 Coup; Cyber Security clinic; Fostering youth resilience through creative activism, Film/Documentary and Regional Advisors Meeting (closed)


Detailed PDF Agenda for the meeting


Agenda Overview for KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023

For further information about the agenda & attending events please contact: myanmar@idrc.ca


Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy Winter School

Prior to the K4DM Knowledge Marketplace, Chiang Mai University School of Public Policy is holding their Winter school. K4DM will be sponsoring networking dinners and guest speakers. For more details of this follow this link

  • 27 Nov – SPP Winter school
  • 28 Nov – 18:00 – 20:00 – SPP Winter school and K4DM sponsored dinner (Guest Speaker: Michael Gray)
  • 29 Nov – SPP Winter school
  • 30 Nov – 18:00 – 20:00 SPP Winter school and K4DM sponsored dinner (Guest speaker: Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd)

K4DM Knowledge Marketplace (Chiang Mai)


Friday 1st December, K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023.
Venue: SPP (09:30 – 15:00) & Ang Kaew Villa (16:00 – 18:30) Chiang Mai University. [OPEN TO PUBLIC]

@ SPP

  • 09:30 – 11:00
    Digital Writing Clinic – Training, [Room 2, SPP Innovative Room]
    Tea Circle, U of Toronto, Canada
    Do you want to share your research or opinions on Myanmar but don’t know how to get your work published? Do you have something to say but are unsure how to write it effectively or clearly? Tea Circle, a leading blog focused on Myanmar, wants to publish your work! Bring your drafts and ideas to this writing workshop to get direct feedback from Tea Circle editors and you peers and to learn more about the process of publishing with Tea Circle. You can bring work in English or Burmese and editors will be able to discuss it with you in either language. Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to take steps toward getting your work published in Tea Circle!

    To register, use this Google Form. Limited to 15 people.
    For more details,  contact University of Toronto/Tea Circle coordinator
  • 09:30 – 11:00
    Understand your digital rights – Training [Room 1, SPP Transformative room]
    Centre for Law and Democracy, Halifax, Canada
    United Nations experts and other commentators have condemned Myanmar’s “digital dictatorship” because of the suppression of digital rights in the country. This workshop introduces international standards around digital rights and examines the Myanmar military’s actions in light of those standards. It also discusses the uses and limits of international human rights law in response to the current reality in Myanmar, and suggests practical ways in which researchers, advocates and others can strategically use international human rights law and systems. (Workshop will take place in English)

    To register, use this Google Form. Limited to 25 people.
    For more details, contact  Centre for Law & Democracy coordinator.
  • 13:00 – 15:00
    Visualizing Social Policy Research. Training. [Room 2, SPP Innovative Room]
    University of British Columbia (UBC) Institute of Asian Research
    Is your social policy research reaching its intended audience effectively in today’s fast-paced, attention-challenged world? Join us for a dynamic session exploring innovative approaches to dissemination beyond traditional methods. In an era where traditional dissemination may fall short, this workshop introduces participants to video dissemination, compelling social media strategies, and other creative ways to make research findings resonate in the digital age. Led by an expert with hands-on experience in crafting dissemination plans for international NGOs in Myanmar, this workshop offers insights, strategies, and practical knowledge to help your social policy research make a greater impact.

    To register, use this Google Form. Limited to 15 people. 
    For more details, contact  University of British Columbia coordinator

@ Ang Kaew Villa

  • 16:30 – 18:30 K4DM Marketplace opening event

    Welcoming remarks, Closing of Winter School and opening of K4DM Knowledge Marketplace

    “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 Fund, some regions of Myanmar have seen a reduction of up to 30 days in the monsoon season, which serves as the primary source of rainfall for agriculture, upon which around 70 percent of the population depends. Upland areas are also at risk of experiencing substantial increases in average temperatures, which could have devastating effects on crop yields. Additionally, unregulated exploitation of natural resources, such as mining activities, is worsening the vulnerability of Myanmar’s landscapes to pollution and erosion. Myanmar is one of the nations most vulnerable to rising sea levels, particularly in the low-lying farmlands of the Ayeyarwady delta, which are at risk of inundation and salinization. Neighboring Bangladesh faces similar threats. Are communities well-prepared to deal with the consequences of climate change? Are the armed groups? What steps can be taken to better prepare Myanmar? This panel discussion will explore these vital issues, drawing insights from recent publications by the RCSD and featuring commentary from various stakeholders in Myanmar and the wider region actively engaged in addressing the urgent climate change crisis.

    Photo Exhibition: Resilience through the lens. Exhibit opening, walk through and reception. Music, food & drinks.

Saturday 2 December, K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023.
Venue: Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University. 08:00 – 20:00 [OPEN TO PUBLIC]

@ Ang Kaew Villa

  • 8:00 – 8:30 Exhibit / Registration
  • 8:30 – 9:00 Speech – Welcome address [ Room 1]
  • 9:00 –10:30
    A conversation on the resilience of MyanmarPanel – [ Room 1]
    Myanmar’s people have shown remarkable strength in standing up for their rights and democracy despite ongoing challenges. The future remains uncertain, but fostering inclusivity and peace is key. Join us in this event to celebrate the resilience of Myanmar’s citizens and explore the path forward. 
    For more information on this event, contact the panel coordinator. 
  • 10:30 –11:00 Coffee Break, Exhibit and Networking 
  • 11:00 – 12:00
    Higher education in Post-coup Myanmar: report launch [ Room 1]
    Higher Education in Post-coup Myanmar” report aims to provide a nuanced picture of the emergence and development of interim education during the Spring movement in Myanmar, with a particular focus on the higher education sector. This report will categorise the profiles of education providers after the coup and address the challenges, difficulties, and experiences faced by IEPs, community leaders, students, and teachers. This project is part of the research work of the Spring University Myanmar and aims to provide comprehensive information about interim education to relevant stakeholders, thereby stimulating informed policy-making.
    For more information on this event, contact the panel coordinator. 
  • 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch break
  • 13:00 – 2:30
    Climate change and energy – Panel [Room 1]
    Climate Crisis and Community Voices – Risks, Research and the Road ahead. Addressing the climate emergency is entwined with challenges related to democratic and inclusive governance. Vulnerable populations often find themselves excluded from decision-making processes and policies that impact their social, political, and economic well-being, highlighting broader societal inequalities. Additionally, shrinking civic spaces, particularly for ethnic communities and climate defenders, who face criminalization, arrests, and threats to their safety. To tackle the climate crisis, vibrant civic spaces are crucial to empower marginalized groups, particularly women, allowing them to claim their rights, participate in decision-making, and ensure accountability. This panel highlights the role of research in understanding the threats faced by climate defenders, supporting effective risk-mitigation strategies, and strengthening social inclusion in climate action in Myanmar and elsewhere in South-East Asia.
    For more information on this event, contact IDRC panel coordinator
  • 13:00 – 14:00
    Opportunity for scaling impact with interactive mobile learning apps. Briefing [Room 2]
    At 360ed, we’re working to democratize access to open-source interactive learning tools for all children in Myanmar, addressing challenges following the recent coup. Committed to a positive impact, we provide free learning opportunities to over 600,000 learners and teachers through our mobile phone technology. Our cost-effective solutions, requiring no extra equipment or strong internet, bring traditional textbook learning to life with 360ed apps, fostering self-directed, interactive learning. Join us on this transformative journey as we pursue a moonshot mission to democratize access for over half a million learners in Myanmar, where formal education has been lacking for three consecutive years.
    For more information on this session, contact the panel coordinator.
  • 14:30 – 16:00
    Facing multiple crisis through research – Panel [Room 1]
    Join us for an insightful exploration into the challenges facing Myanmar, as we delve into the critical role of research in comprehending the intricacies of its societal, political, and economic landscape. Discover how research serves as a catalyst for innovative solutions, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation and its people.
    For more information on this event,  contact the panel coordinator.
  • 16:30 – 17:30
    Focus on Rohingya in a Future Democratic Myanmar. Panel [Room 1]
    This panel will focus on the opportunities to be harnessed and challenges navigated on the path towards reconciliation and inclusion of the Rohingya into the decision-making process on Myanmar’s future democratic federal system of governance. The relevant roles of different actors, including the international community will be discussed. The case of Canada will highlight the potential of working with Myanmar diasporas to advance multi-party dialogue and support for Canada’s involvement in resolving the Rohingya crisis and to promote reconciliation dialogue between various ethnic groups within the Myanmar diaspora. Also, the panel will discuss Rohingya’s efforts to gain access to higher education as they search for greater voice for Rohingyas. Finally, work on improving health and environmental factors for the Rohingya population in Bangladesh will be discussed by AUW and CMU.
    For more information on this event, contact Parliamentary Centre of Canada moderator.
  • 16:00 – 17:00
    Film screening (Open to Public) [ Room 2]
    Various short films on Myanmar
  • 18:30 – 20:30
    Gender policy discussionDialogue (Closed) [Landin Cafe]
    Gender policy. This session aims to provide a space for joint and sharing, learning and reflection on the development and implementation of as well as external support to gender policies, bridging the gap between the state level and the federal level. The experts involved in the policy development and policy support processes will provide inputs, sharing their respective experiences and engaging in discussion with the participants, using participatory methodology.
    BY INVITATION ONLY.
    For more information on this event contact Berghof Foundation project manager.

Sunday 3rd December. K4DM KNOWLEDGE MARKETPLACE – Chiang Mai 2023.
Venue: Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University. 8:30 – 16:30 [OPEN TO PUBLIC]

@ Ang Kaew Villa

  • 8:30 – 9:00 Check-in / Exhibit
  • 9:00 – 10:30
    Gender and Federalism in Myanmar – Panel, GenderLab Team, [Room 1]
    This panel discussion on conducted GenderLab talk series of “Gender and Federalism in Myanmar” to reflect how gender and federalism intersect or influence each other, how federalism impacts gender equality, and contemplate with the perspectives of women’s rights advocates to contribute to the ongoing discussions on federalism, in the context of contemporary Myanmar, from a gender perspective.

    For online attendance, register here.
    For more information on this event,  contact Genderlab.
  • 9:00 – 10:30
    Challenges and Hopes for Digital Education in Myanmar – Panel, SecDev Team [Room 2]
    In this session, three speakers will share research findings that shed light on the current challenges and future possibilities of digital education in Myanmar. The discussion will seek inputs on collaborative solutions to enhance digital education outcomes. 
    For more information on this event, contact SecDev coordinator
  • 10:30 – 11:00 Tea Break / Exhibit
  • 11:00 – 12:00
    Gender and diversity: Special Needs of Women Workers in the Garment Sector – Roundtable Discussion, Colors Rainbow, [Room 1]
    Analyzing Labour Policies Through Critical Realist Lens. The garment sector, as a gendered economy, is notorious for exploitative working conditions, and the existing policies cannot provide adequate protection of workers’ rights. Women workers are more impacted due to their gendered experiences and inadequate policy protections. This research identifies the special needs of women workers in the garment sector with theories of intersectional feminism and social reproduction feminism. And then, labor policies are analyzed through critical realism, and policy recommendations are given by utilizing the back-casting tool.
    For more information on this event,  contact School of Public Policy, CMU
  • 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch break / Exhibit
  • 13:00 – 14:30
    Empowering Advocacy: Myanmar’s Journey After the 2021 Coup. Panel [Room2]
    Join us for an empowering session titled “Empowering Advocacy: Myanmar’s Journey After the 2021 Coup,” where we will delve into the heart of Myanmar’s advocacy movement. We will discuss how civil society organizations (CSOs) and the people have united to advocate for human rights and justice in the wake of the 2021 military coup. This event aims to spotlight both the achievements and the challenges faced on this transformative journey.
    The session will provide a brief background on the 2021 military coup, setting the context for our discussion. We will explore the collaborative efforts of CSOs and the people of Myanmar, highlighting their relentless pursuit of a brighter future through advocacy. We will take a moment to celebrate the milestones and progress achieved through collective advocacy efforts, and also shed light on the obstacles and difficulties encountered along the way. The event will provide insights into the courage and resilience of the people of Myanmar, inspiring us to work together toward a more robust and united advocacy culture for a brighter future in Myanmar.
    For more information on this event, please contact panel coordinator
  • 14:00 – 15:30
    Cyber Security Clinic – Training, SecDev Foundation [Room 1]
    Digital Safety community experts will run interactive group games to raise awareness of common digital threats that NGOs and CSOs face. They will also share about how NGOs and CSOs can develop the project risk management plan to ensure safe and effective project implementation for all stakeholders. The participants will have opportunities to ask any questions they may have with their own specific digital safety concerns or incidents.
    For more information on this event, contact  SecDev Coordinator.
  • 14:30 – 16:00
    Fostering youth resilience through creative activism (TBC). Panel, ActionAid [ Room 2]
  • 15:30 – 17:00
    SecDev Foundation research workshop. Roundtable [Room 1]
    BY INVITATION ONLY

@ Novotel

  • 18:00 – 21:00
    K4DM Regional Advisory Committee Meeting [Novotel]
    This meeting will focus on the upcoming independent midterm evaluation in early 2024.

    BY INVITATION ONLY.
    For more information contact K4DM Program Management Officer.


K4DM satellite events


K4DM Knowledge Marketplace (Vancouver)

Wednesday 22th November
Venue: University British Columbia., Canada 14:00 – 15:30 [PST], Seminar & book launch

  • Exploring Activism in Myanmar. How do people conduct politics when they lack the legally and symbolically stabilizing force of “rights” to guarantee their incursions against injustice? The book documents grassroots political activists who advocate for workers and peasants across Burma, covering not only the so-called “democratic transition” from 2011-2021, and the February 2021 military coup. Register here, and if you have any question about this event, please contact myanmar.sppga@ubc.ca
  • Venue: C. K. Choi Building, Room 351, UBC, Vancouver, Canada

K4DM Knowledge Marketplace (Virtual)

Wednesday 22th November
Venue: Virtual 19:30 – 21:00 [MMT], Roundtable

Education Beyond Borders: The Role of International Universities in Myanmar’s Education

In the wake of the military coup in Myanmar, the higher education sector has been thrown into turmoil, resulting in an unprecedented disruption that has left millions of students at risk of losing access to quality education. Over the past two years, we have witnessed a crucial response from international universities, which have stepped up to support Myanmar students to the best of their abilities.

In this webinar, we’ll dive into the various education initiatives these universities have launched for Myanmar’s youth. We’ll also examine the significant challenges and obstacles that students from Myanmar encounter while pursuing their continuous education. Moreover, the webinar will not only underscore the existing endeavors but also engage in an exploration of potential strategies for future university collaborations, aiming to extend the range of educational services accessible to the youth of Myanmar. 

To register, please use this link here. For more information, please contact SUM.


K4DM Knowledge Marketplace (Bangkok)

Wednesday 29th November
Venue: Chulalongkorn University. 15:00 – 18:00, Seminar & book launch BY INVITATION ONLY

  • Drawing from the Past: Supporting Future Peace in Myanmar: Although Myanmar is currently in a state of acute crisis, the ceasefire agreement was a major breakthrough in efforts to end decades of conflict across the country’s minority areas. This seminar will launch two key assessments of peace initiatives from Myanmar’s recent past. The event will present evidence and promote discussion over what can be learnt from the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement of 2015 for future peace efforts. . Dr. Julia Palmiano Federer’s (Ottawa Dialogue) forthcoming book, “NGOs Mediating Peace; Promoting Inclusion in Myanmar’s Ceasefire Agreement Negotiations” asks whether informal actors such as NGOs mediate peace agreements and what this brings to bear for international peace mediation. The Asia Foundation’s forthcoming research report on “International Peace Support and Effective Peacebuilding in Myanmar”, examines the conflict resolution programs of foreign aid agencies from 2010 to 2020, a period of rapid reforms and intense activity surrounding the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement.
  • Venue: Chulalongkorn Social Innovation Hub 1st floor, Visid Prachuabmoh Building (see map here), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

Friday 1 December 2023
Venue: Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, 0900 – 1700, Prachasangkom Udompathana Room (101), Institute for Population and Social Research,

For further information about the agenda & attending events please contact: myanmar@idrc.ca


VENUE

Ang Kaew Villa, Chiang Mai University

239 ถนนห้วยแก้ว ตำบลสุเทพ อำเภแเมือง, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 50200

School of Public Policy (SPP), Chiang Mai University

239 Huay Kaew Road, Muang District,
Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
GPS: 18° 48′ 29.5848” N 98° 57′ 10.8756” E


Organizers

This event is organized by The Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

Co-organized by School of Public Policy, Chiang Mai University and Asia Research News

For further information about these events please contact: myanmar@idrc.ca


 Copyright: K4DM/IDRC, Design by: Asia Research News

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