IMPRESSIONS DAY 1

​Video impressions from day 1

Photo impressions from day 1

Thinking about day 1

Some first personnel insights from the participants:

• Development is political, we cannot avoid politics.
• The meaning of democracy is constantly changing, being shaped, evolving.
• Development in democracy does not necessary lead to development in economy.
• Context matters.
• Many different contexts but same key issues for all: INCLUSION And LEGITIMACY and ACCOUNTABILITY, beyond contextual,factors, universally.
• Interesting to see and learn the potential role of youth politician in transitional countries.
• Democracy is not an agreed definition, it can vary according to the cultural context. Importance to reflect what we understand as support to democracy.
• Post revolution dynamics – how to push reforms the day after?
• The role of civil society in democratisation processes- limitations and challenges in transition processes.
• Economic reform is a critical element – does democracy really deliver prosperity?
• How big is really the power of civil society in holding the government accountable?many ways to support democratisation. And many factors to take into consideration, not the least the specific context and history.
• We should analyse better who want the change we want. And also ask ourselves if our idea of change is good for a country.
• Democracy is a complex phenomenon. Still not studied enough or understood in various cultural context.
• We know when transition processes towards democracy stuck, we do not know when they end.
• SDC is always an “actor” that is part of democratisation (neutrality does not work).
• SDC is very engaged with civil society but needs to clarify the long term perspective.
• You need to work with what you have and try to do no harm. The road to democracy is a bumpy one, frankly nobody really has a clue. No receipt but trial and error process. SDC is doing quite well according to partners saying.
• DLGN has moved and advanced, and is now (finally) talking and discussing accountability.

And a visual impression of day 1: