In light of recent media reports concerning our upcoming meeting in Dublin from 31 October to 2 November, we find it necessary to issue the following statement.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) has been working “to contribute to broadening bases and providing new platforms for discussion on establishing a structured public dialogue on peace and democracy building.” In this context, DPI works to support peace and conflict resolution efforts around the world, and places particular importance on examining international examples firsthand.
To this end, DPI has organised numerous comparative study visits to explore various peace and democracy initiatives around the world, from Ireland to Colombia, the Philippines to South Africa, inviting politicians, civil society representatives, journalists, and academics from Turkey to participate. Likewise, DPI has held numerous meetings in Turkey focusing on the role of civil society, women, and the media in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Regardless of past or ongoing processes in Turkey, DPI has continued its work consistently and independently. In all of its activities, DPI strives to ensure the participation of diverse political and social groups.
DPI believes it is very valuable that the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, established in the Parliament within the framework of the ongoing process, has invited and listened to academics working on international peace examples, as well as different groups and actors within the country. In this context, in August, a delegation led by DPI CEO Kerim Yıldız visited Turkey, met with the parliamentary party groups represented on the Commission, and invited them to meetings to be held both in Turkey and abroad. As part of these activities, DPI organised an event titled “The Role of Civil Society in Peacebuilding” in Ankara on 11 October, which was attended by civil society organisations and several Members of Parliament serving on the Commission. The second meeting is taking place in Dublin from 31 October to 2 November, with MPs nominated by the political party groups invited to attend.
During the Dublin meeting, Commission members will have the opportunity to hear from senior figures and experts involved in the Northern Ireland peace process, including former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former Minister Dermot Ahern. In addition, Raissa Jajurie, the first woman to join the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Technical Working Group for the peace process with the Philippine government and currently the Minister of Social Services and Development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, has been invited to share insights from the Philippines, where Turkey also played an active role. The programme will also include discussions with a former United Nations official, who will touch upon their experiences in other cases of conflict resolution around the world, particularly in Sudan.
DPI recognises that each conflict has its own unique characteristics, and no single example can be exactly replicated in another context. However, it is possible to learn valuable lessons from other experiences and avoid their mistakes. This is the fundamental aim of all activities carried out by DPI.
Information about DPI’s meetings and activities are available on our website.