Purpose
To create and strengthen sustainable, multi-sectoral, collaborative applied research and capacity building partnerships between Australia and Myanmar, to the mutual benefit of Australian and Myanmar institutions and in a manner that effectively manages capacity constraints in Myanmar, and with the ultimate aim of advancing social and public welfare in both countries. The Institute will do this by facilitating Australian institutions in strengthening the capacity of research, public policy and implementation in Myanmar through collaborative partnerships.
Background
The idea for the Institute was launched through a very successful conference at Melbourne Town Hall in March 2013, with subsequent discussions in Yangon. Deakin University provided the initial support, which was substantial, including housing the administrative functions while allowing governance to be via a board of qualified individuals and representatives from the major collaborating universities and institutions.
Since then, two major conferences have been organised in partnership with the Myanmar Institute for Strategic and International Studies (MISIS) and hosted by Yangon University. The themes are drawn from Myanmar’s objectives in the international development agenda framed by the Sustainable Development Goals. The conferences are being organised approximately every 2½ years during the SDG period (until 2030) and provide an opportunity for academics, business people, governmental and non-governmental and other experts to review Myanmar’s SDG performance and planning.
Attendance at the two conferences so far has exceeded all expectations, setting records for participation at conferences at Yangon University. The next conference will be held in early 2030, potentially in both Yangon and Mandalay.
Discussions are currently under way with government, tertiary and non-government agencies/institutions interested in becoming founding partners, and we welcome expressions of interest in membership or partnership.
AMI has a Memorandum of Understanding with MISIS, a policy think-tank within Myanmar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This MoU provides AMI members with a solid foundation for a strong research and collaborative relationships between institutions in both countries, together with logistical support possibilities.
AMI’s website is backed by a Facebook page which has a very large number of followers in both countries as well as in other locations around the world.
Program
Amongst other initiatives, AMI will host regular conferences, seminars, workshops and events in Australia and Myanmar, according to member interest, provide a hub for resources, networking and collaboration, and facilitate Myanmar partner leadership and priority-setting.
AMI also works to support the work of its members in Myanmar, and in Australia on Myanmar issues. This is either by the provision of advisory services or, when necessary, support for plans for such arrangements as Memoranda of Understanding. AMI is also able to support grant applications and other research actions by its members.
Structure
AMI welcomes both individual and organisational members, as well as partner institutions. It is governed by a multi-institutional board of up to 15 directors. AMI’s Board has also establish an external panel of special advisers, ensuring that it has access to expertise in each of AMI’s pillar themes.
We welcome expressions of interest in membership or partnership.