Dialogue Fiji has now become the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue, expanding its identity to reflect its broader work in strengthening democracy, civic participation, human rights, governance and public accountability.
Speaking at the launch at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel, Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal says while dialogue remains central to the organisation's work, its focus has expanded over the past 18 years to include elections and electoral reform, constitutional literacy, human rights, women's and youth political participation, media and online literacy, social cohesion, economic policy, governance and public accountability.
He says democracy is the common thread running through much of the organisation's work.
Lal stresses the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue will not support a particular government or political party, but will support democracy.
The Executive Director says the change in name from Dialogue Fiji to the Centre for Democracy and Dialogue is not an abandonment of its history, but an acknowledgement of how the organisation has evolved.
He says the organisation's responsibility is to protect democratic values, strengthen public understanding, produce credible research and create spaces for serious discussion.
While launching the Centre, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka says democracy provides a framework through which citizens take part in developing their country, while dialogue allows people with different perspectives to understand one another and work towards solutions in the national interest.
He says constructive dialogue does not require people to agree on everything, but requires them to listen, understand different perspectives and engage respectfully.
Gavoka says democracy is not only about elections, but also what happens between elections.
He says civic education, public debate and access to reliable information are essential to meaningful participation in national affairs, particularly at a time when people are exposed to an unprecedented volume of information and opinion.
Gavoka says the Government has an important responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance, transparency and accountability, but it cannot do this alone.
He highlights strengthening democratic institutions and practices is a responsibility shared by Government, civil society, political parties, the private sector, academia, the media and citizens.
He says these groups must continue to engage with one another even when they disagree, value evidence and keep the national interest at the centre of their conversations.
European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert says democracy is not only about elections and institutions, but also participation, dialogue, accountability and inclusion.
She says the European Union has supported Dialogue Fiji's work in areas including inclusive and accountable democratic governance, civic education, media oversight, human rights, justice and accountability.
Plinkert says the new Centre for Democracy and Dialogue provides an opportunity to create an even stronger platform for dialogue, knowledge, civic engagement and democratic participation.
