Martina Zapf x Lessons for Australia’s Civil Society Partnerships Fund

09/19/24 • 14 min

How can Australia’s Civil Society Partnership Fund enhance civic space in the Indo-Pacific region? With Martina Zapf, General Manager at the Lab and expert in peacebuilding, we discuss the recent announcement of $35 million over four years for the fund, aimed at supporting civic space amidst rising concerns over shrinking civil liberties. Martina delves into the fund's objectives, the importance of strategic design, and the risks involved in supporting civil society in restricted environments.

Martina emphasises the need for targeted, impactful support rather than playing it safe, and offers practical advice for diplomats on making the most of the fund.

Finally, Martina tackles the Lab’s standing hypothetical, offering insights into how diplomats can effectively utilise this new tool to foster open and resilient civic spaces.

Read the Lab’s policy brief on the Civil Society Partnership Fund here: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/analyses/lessons-for-australias-civil-society-partnerships-fund

The Readout is the Development Intelligence Lab's podcast hosted by CEO Bridi Rice. Each episode, you'll meet one development leader, hear their big idea and discover how it can shape the future of Australian development assistance.

Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysis

The Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.

Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martina emphasises the need for targeted, impactful support rather than playing it safe, and offers practical advice for diplomats on making the most of the fund.

Finally, Martina tackles the Lab’s standing hypothetical, offering insights into how diplomats can effectively utilise this new tool to foster open and resilient civic spaces.

Read the Lab’s policy brief on the Civil Society Partnership Fund here: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/analyses/lessons-for-australias-civil-society-partnerships-fund

Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysis

The Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.

Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Dr Salmah Eva-Lina Lawrence x The Majority World – what’s in a phrase?

How can we shift the language of international development to better reflect global realities? With Dr Salmah Lawrence, a leader in development thought and practice, we talk about her influential article that challenges the terms "developing world" and "Global South." Salmah explains the concept of the "Majority World" and argues for a new approach to development that includes social and cultural factors, not just economic ones.

Salmah shares her vision for Australian development policy, by tackling the Lab’s standing hypothetical.

Read Salmah’s piece “The Majority World – what’s in a phrase?” here: https://www.philanthropy.org.au/news-and-stories/the-majority-world-whats-in-a-phrase/

Find more of Salmah’s work here: https://www.drsalmah.com/

Visit Development Intelligence Lab for cracking analysis on Australian development cooperation: https://www.devintelligencelab.com/our-analysis

The Readout is recorded and produced on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. Music by Viljami Mehto.

Support and editing by Ruby Saulwick and Walter Colnaghi.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Dr Mercy Masta x Gender Equality, The Pacific Way

What does it mean to truly engage men in the fight for gender equality in the Pacific? With Dr. Mercy Masta, Research Fellow at the ANU's Department of Pacific Affairs, we delve into her research that challenges established gender equality discourse in the region. Mercy argues that to foster genuine change, we must incorporate men's perspectives and cultural practices into gender discussions, rather than viewing them solely as obstacles. She also emphasises the importance of recognising existing power dynamics and privileges within Pacific communities, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to development.

Mercy tackles the Lab's hypothetical, offering advice to Australian development program managers on how to truly transform their approach to gender equality in the Pacific.

Read Mercy's thought-provoking blog "Gender Equality, The Pacific Way" here: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/gender-equality-pacific-way. The original Women Leading and Influencing piece is accessible here: https://assets-global.website-files.com/649226efa5faed5901e05da6/654e6dab39679ed7588af3aa_REPORT_Engaging%20men%20in%20support%20of%20women%27s%20leadership%20in%20the%20Pacific.pdf