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The International Republican Institute’s John S. McCain Freedom Award Celebration honors individuals whose commitment to freedom and human liberty has aided millions of people around the world in pursuit of a democratic future. As IRI’s highest honor, the Freedom Award exemplifies the goals and accomplishments of strengthening democracy for a freer, more secure world.

This year, IRI will honor exiled Catholic Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, in recognition of his unwavering advocacy for religious and political freedom in Nicaragua. In 2022, the Ortega regime falsely convicted Bishop Álvarez of treason and sentenced him to over 26 years in prison, until his release in late 2023 at Pope Francis’ urging. He is now living in exile in the Vatican alongside 15 other Nicaraguan priests who were also political prisoners. Bishop Álvarez’s inspiring example transcends national boundaries, making him a beacon for freedom fighters around the world.

Donor Levels ↓

IRI Patron $50,000 – Corporation/Foundation or Individual

• Ten (10) invitations to Freedom Award ceremony and reception
• Two (2) invitations to VIP lunch day of the Freedom Award with VIP congressional guests
• Top placement of name during award ceremony and in printed program
• Membership in the IRI Business Leadership Council with invitations to events throughout the year

IRI Benefactor $25,000 – Corporation/Foundation or Individual

• Six (6) invitations to Freedom Award ceremony and reception
• One (1) invitation to VIP lunch day of the Freedom Award with VIP congressional guests
• Prominent placement of name during award ceremony and in printed program
• Membership in the IRI Business Leadership Council with invitations to events throughout the year

IRI Sponsor $10,000 – Corporation/Foundation or Individual

• Four (4) invitations to Freedom Award ceremony and reception
• Name shown during award ceremony and in printed program
• Invitations to IRI events throughout the year

IRI Supporter $5,000 – Corporation/Foundation or Individual

• Two (2) invitations to Freedom Award ceremony and reception
• Name shown during award ceremony and in printed program

IRI Friend $1,000 – Individual
(Suggested Contribution)

• One (1) invitation to Freedom Award ceremony and reception

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IRI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax-deductible. 
Federal Tax ID number: 52-1340267.

For more information, please contact Amy Bradley or Magda Patrick at (703) 549-5090. Amy@BradleyPatrickGroup.com or Magda@BradleyPatrickGroup.com

Emcee ↓

Antonia
Ferrier

Vice President for External Affairs

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Presenters ↓

U.S. Senator Dan
Sullivan

Chairman

Daniel
Twining, PhD

President

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Hsiao Bi-khim

VICE PRESIDENT-ELECT OF TAIWAN

Honoree ↓

Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez Lagos

BISHOP OF MATAGALPA NICARAGUA

The post 2024 John S. McCain Freedom Award Celebration appeared first on International Republican Institute.

** This event is at capacity **

The International Republican Institute (IRI) established the award to honor Dr. Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, a long-time IRI board member and supporter of the Women’s Democracy Network (WDN). Dr. Kirkpatrick was the first woman appointed to serve as Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations. In this role she was a key member of President Ronald Reagan’s Cabinet and National Security Council.

Dr. Kirkpatrick was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in May 1985, and the Distinguished Public Service Medal by the Department of Defense, in December 1992. Her stellar career in foreign policy is an inspiration to women around the world and to the work we do at IRI.

The 2024 award will be presented to Elena Larrinaga de Luis and Berta Valle.

The post 2024 Annual Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Awards Ceremony appeared first on International Republican Institute.

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We are entering a landmark year for elections worldwide. Nearly 100 countries comprising more than half the global population are scheduled to hold electoral contests in what should be the most decisive year for elections in world history.

With so much at stake, IRI invites you to join USAID DRG Assistant to the Administrator Shannon Green and a panel of regional experts who will examine the opportunities and challenges facing elections around the world.

The post 2024 Year of Elections Event with Shannon Green appeared first on International Republican Institute.

The world’s dictators are no longer content with shoring up control over their own populations—they are now exploiting the openness of the free world to spread confusion, sow discord, and suppress dissent. In Defending Democracy in an Age of Sharp Power, editors William J. Dobson, Tarek Masoud, and Christopher Walker bring together leading analysts to explain how the world’s authoritarians are attempting to erode the pillars of democratic societies—and what we can do about it.

Join us for an insightful discussion at the IRI Headquarters, 1225 I St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005, on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM or on Zoom for virtual participation.

The post A Book Talk with IRI: Defending Democracy in an Age of Sharp Power appeared first on International Republican Institute.

2024 John S. McCain Freedom Award Celebration

National Archives Museum | 701 Constitution Ave. NW | Washington, DC 20408
May 15, 2024 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Register

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The post Lessons in Anti-Corruption: Case Study of Iraq appeared first on International Republican Institute.

2024 John S. McCain Freedom Award Celebration

National Archives Museum | 701 Constitution Ave. NW | Washington, DC 20408
May 15, 2024 6:00pm – 8:30pm

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On June 6, 2023, Bulgaria marked a significant milestone as a new government was formed after a tumultuous period over two years and five elections. This new political landscape undoubtedly presents both windows of opportunity for reforms, but also an array of formidable challenges. Recognizing this pivotal moment, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) are delighted to host an important discussion with senior Bulgarian government and business community representatives.

This event is intended to provide insight into the thinking of Bulgarian leaders and highlight opportunity areas for political and economic reform. It will focus on vital topics, such as strengthening the rule of law, promoting economic resilience, combating corruption, and Bulgaria’s new foreign policy outlook.

Information on how to connect to the event via Zoom will be sent to all registrants closer to the event date.

Speakers

Remarks:

Kimber
Shearer

Executive Vice President

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Abdu Alkebsi

MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS, CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

Panel Discussion:

Moderator:

Paul
McCarthy

Regional Director, Europe

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The post Opportunities for Reform: Bulgaria’s New Government appeared first on International Republican Institute.

Overview

• Overview
• Speakers

Overview

We are in a new age of a great power competition. This competition will not be fought in Beijing or Moscow, rather it will be contested in Ukraine, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Daniel Runde makes the case for renewed American engagement in the developing world for our own prosperity and security, but also because foreign assistance and other forms of soft power are largely where this competition is going to be contested. The developing world has changed over the last several decades – it is richer, freer, and has a lot more agency. Russia and China can fill vacuums: digital vacuums, trade vacuums, vaccine vacuums and infrastructure vacuums. The United States and our allies must offer a positive agenda that meets the needs and aspirations of partner countries. If this is not done, these countries will turn to Russia and China.

Leadership is a choice, and Daniel Runde argues that the United States, in partnership with its friends, allies, the private sector, civil society, and average voters, should seek to be on the side of peoples’ aspirations and hopes as often as possible. The book calls for a fundamental review and rethink of how and why the United States uses soft power and addresses several issues that have emerged over the last several decades. The book hopes to spark a national conversation about how and for what end we will use our non-military forms of our power overseas given the challenges and opportunities in front of us.

The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power is the first book in decades to look at our non-military power through the lens of great-power competition. It calls for: supporting broad-based economic growth, supporting good governance and anti-corruption, long-term training, differentiating our approaches in middle-income countries and fragile states, and stronger US leadership in the multilateral system. 

The book closes with a call for major fixes to the current system of soft power: the way we are organized, the “plumbing” issues, how we dole out monies, and personnel issues. We need a 20-year strategy for our soft power that works for Republicans and Democrats and will respond to the challenges of today.

Featured Speaker

Daniel Runde

Daniel F. Runde has spent the last 20 years working on global development and American soft power. He is Senior Vice President, Director of the Project on Prosperity and Development, and William A. Schreyer Chair in Global Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Prior to CSIS, he held leadership positions at USAID and the World Bank Group and worked in both commercial and investment banking. Runde serves on several boards, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Bretton Woods Committee, and previously chaired two U.S. federal advisory committees that touch on soft power. Furthermore, he is a contributor to thehill.com and hosts a CSIS podcast series called Building the Future: Freedom, Prosperity & Foreign Policy with Dan Runde.

Moderator

Daniel
Twining, PhD

President

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Join the members of the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) Youth Advisory Group (YAG) as they share their inspiring stories of change and community mobilization through a series of six lightning talks.

The six young change-makers from Venezuela, Argentina, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Guyana and Kenya take the stage to share their personal journeys of transforming communities and making a difference. From tackling social issues to mobilizing local initiatives, they have become the driving force behind positive change. Discover how these young leaders have overcome challenges, ignited passion, and rallied communities to create lasting impact.

Register on the Eventbrite to attend in person at the International Republican Institute (IRI) Reagan Events Center or virtually (zoom link to come ahead of the event).

Light breakfast will be served at 9:00 AM, with the lightning talks commencing at 9:15 AM.

Meet the Speakers

Venezuela

David Aragort

David Aragort is a digital rights advocate and researcher working at the intersection of technology, democracy, and human rights focused on the internet, freedom of expression, and digital authoritarianism. He is currently working as chief of institutional relations at the Venezuelan NGO RedesAyuda and actively collaborates with other organizations that protect freedom, democracy, and human rights regionally and globally. David is a member of the Generation Democracy network and has been a Democracy Tech Fellow of the Alliance of Democracies, Early Career Fellow of the Internet Society, and Open Internet Leader for Democracy with the Center for International Media Assistance.

ARGENTINA

Milagros Beltran

Milagros Beltrán is a 22-year-old advanced student of political science at the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. Throughout her career, she has been interested in the inequalities in her region, human rights, gender and diversity issues. She has participated in different projects from her university related to these matters. Currently, Milagros works as an intern in the Human Rights department of her province, more specifically in the area of gender and diversity. She is also a member of the Red Ciudadana Nuestra Córdoba, a network of organizations in her city that seeks to promote the participation of civil society and citizens in monitoring and advocating public policies. She participates in the area of democratic governance.

Bangladesh

Nayem Molla

Nayem Molla works as the Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Microgovernance Research Initiative. He is also a Master Trainer and Facilitator of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and SAVE Youth Bangladesh. He previously served in various capacities with the Physically Challenged Development Foundation (PDF) as part of his disability inclusion movement. He was also an elected member of the Kabi Jasimuddin Hall Union at the University of Dhaka. For his leadership and contribution to the disability inclusion movement, he was chosen for the prestigious Global Challenges of Youth with Disabilities program by Rehabilitation International (RI) Korea in South Korea in 2019.

Ukraine

Rashyd Bilalov

Rashyd Bilalov is a civic activist and co-founder of the Youth Democratic Association (YODA), an NGO that unites young democratic champions throughout Ukraine to promote active citizenship and democratic values through education and public engagement. Rashyd has been working with various international organizations to strengthen democratic institutions through initiatives which engage more youth in decision-making processes on the local and national levels and is also a member of the Ukrainian chapter of European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN) and an activist of Ukrainian Students for Freedom NGO. Rashyd is currently serving as a fellow of the Community Engagement Exchange Fellowship, sponsored by the Department of State focusing on the issue of Open and Participatory Government and committed to advancing democracy in Ukraine.

Guyana

Rosemarie Ramitt

Rosemarie Ramitt has been an educator and a disability rights advocate for over seven years. She is actively involved in the work of Disabled People’s Organizations, serving as the Coordinator of the Women with Disabilities Network for the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD). Presently, she is working on the empowerment of women with disabilities who have experienced Gender-Based Violence. Her work includes the empowering of women with disabilities through education, skills training and capacity building. She is also a facilitator of the Youth Advocacy, Leadership and Linkages in Elections and Society (ALLIES) programme with IFES Guyana. She is currently leading research to map indigenous youth with disabilities across Guyana to better assess their needs as young people living with disabilities.

Kenya

Ruth Ngozire

Ruth Ngozire is a 24-year-old Kenyan citizen. She is pursuing her Masters of Climate Change and Sustainability at Kenyatta University. She serves as a Research and Communication Volunteer at Regenerative Safaris for Climate. Her main duties involve researching and presenting core issues affecting young generations from conflict due to shared resources and the climate crisis. She has a background in Environmental Education with key interests in climate change education and human rights advocacy. She has a passion for tree growing and currently runs a programme of trees for schools to enhance Climate Action. She believes CEPPS is going to be home for her to advocate for human rights violations as a result of extreme impacts of climate change. Additionally, she believes in giving nature and humans a voice. That is what matters because peace and justice is a gift.

The post YAG Lightning Talks for CEPPS Partners appeared first on International Republican Institute.

Private discussion with Armenian Parliamentarians on the progress of Armenia’s reform agenda over the past years. Members of Parliament will reflect on their key achievements, discuss the major constraints and public priorities for reform implementation.

The post Discussion with Armenian Parliamentarians appeared first on International Republican Institute.

In honor of the late Lorne Craner, IRI’s longest-serving president, join us for the third annual Lorne Craner Memorial Lecture, featuring Mr. David McCormick, former CEO of Bridgewater Associates, and former U.S. Senate Candidate. Mr. McCormick will discuss his new book, Superpower in Peril: A Battle Plan to Renew America.

This book is McCormick’s vision for how America can reverse its decline, educate its people, confront China, and secure itself. He recounts leadership lessons from his childhood in Pennsylvania and time in uniform, as CEO of two companies, and as a senior government official. McCormick describes the global race for supremacy in talent, technology, and data, and the sad fact is, America is losing. He says that the nation can resign itself to mediocrity, squabbling over nonsense in Washington and relitigating past grievances, all while China is plotting to subvert America’s role as a superpower, or leaders can come up with a battle plan to put America on a different course.

The post Third Annual Lorne Craner Memorial Lecture appeared first on International Republican Institute.