Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As a new institution, people often ask us similar questions about why IPFD was established, what role we play, and how we work.
We’ve answered some of the most common questions below. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’d be pleased to hear from you through our Contact page.
What is IPFD?
The Institute of Peace & Federal Democracy (IPFD) is a Myanmar-led, U.S.-registered nonprofit institution working to support a peaceful and federal democratic future.
IPFD focuses on three interconnected areas:
- Building international support for Myanmar
- Building cooperation inside Myanmar
- Strengthening diaspora engagement
Together, these areas help Myanmar’s democratic movement engage more effectively, cooperate more practically, and connect with international partners and diaspora communities in a more structured and accountable way.
Why was IPFD established?
Myanmar has many political leaders, ethnic organisations, humanitarian actors and civil society organisations working tirelessly for the country’s future. IPFD is not here to replace them.
IPFD was established because Myanmar also needs a trusted, accountable institution that can help connect these efforts with governments, foundations, donors and international partners.
International actors often want to support Myanmar but face a serious challenge: there is no single, credible and accountable point of engagement through which they can understand priorities, assess risks, support responsible local leadership, and connect with Myanmar’s democratic movement in a coherent way.
As a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, IPFD helps address that gap. We provide a legally registered, transparent and accountable institutional platform that can meet international governance, financial and compliance standards while supporting Myanmar-led priorities.
Is IPFD aiming to replace existing organisations?
No. IPFD was not established to replace existing organisations or political institutions.
IPFD exists to help strengthen cooperation between Myanmar actors, support practical coordination, and create trusted pathways for international engagement. We work alongside existing organisations by helping them engage more effectively with one another, with the diaspora, and with international partners.
We believe Myanmar does not need another organisation competing for space. It needs better ways for existing actors to work together.
What does IPFD do?
IPFD delivers its mission through three interconnected areas of work:
First, we build international support for Myanmar by countering the military’s narrative, bringing truth and evidence into policy spaces, and helping governments, donors and international partners understand Myanmar’s realities.
Second, we build cooperation inside Myanmar by supporting trust-building, coordination mechanisms, shared principles and practical ways for Myanmar actors to work together.
Third, we strengthen diaspora engagement by connecting the expertise, networks, resources and advocacy of Myanmar communities around the world with Myanmar-led priorities.
Together, these areas help strengthen Myanmar’s democratic movement while creating better opportunities for responsible international engagement.
Why is international engagement so important?
Myanmar’s future will ultimately be shaped by its own people, but international decisions still matter.
Governments, parliaments, foundations, donors and international organisations influence humanitarian support, sanctions, democracy assistance, diplomatic engagement, investment and long-term peacebuilding.
The military is also actively trying to shape the world’s understanding of Myanmar. If democratic Myanmar voices are not heard clearly, others will define Myanmar’s story.
That is why IPFD works to counter military misinformation, bring truth and evidence into international discussions, and help international partners identify responsible ways to stand with Myanmar’s people.
Why does IPFD place such a strong emphasis on cooperation?
Myanmar’s democratic movement has often been pushed toward political statements, formal dialogue or institutional design before trust and working relationships have been properly built.
IPFD believes this sequence does not work.
Trust must come first. Trust builds relationships. Relationships create stronger working practices. Stronger working practices make practical cooperation possible.
That is why IPFD focuses on cooperation before negotiation. We believe political dialogue is more likely to succeed when actors have already developed habits of trust, restraint, shared responsibility and practical coordination.
Cooperation is not a slogan. It is the foundation for future dialogue, federal democracy and national rebuilding.
Why is diaspora engagement one of IPFD’s programme areas?
Myanmar’s global diaspora has significant potential.
Diaspora communities bring expertise, professional skills, advocacy, investment potential, political relationships, faith networks, business networks and deep connections to communities inside Myanmar.
IPFD works to connect these strengths with Myanmar-led priorities. This includes helping diaspora communities support international advocacy, open doors to policymakers, mobilise resources, share technical expertise, and connect networks back into regions and communities where they can contribute to real transformation on the ground.
Diaspora engagement is one of the crucial bridges between Myanmar, the international community and communities suffering inside the country.
Does IPFD deliver humanitarian projects?
IPFD is not primarily a humanitarian organisation. But creating practical change for communities suffering on the ground is central to why we exist.
Our role is to help create the conditions through which support can reach communities more effectively.
IPFD can act as a neutral and accountable interface between donors, diaspora supporters, international partners and trusted Myanmar actors. As a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3), IPFD can receive and manage support transparently, meet donor compliance standards, and help connect resources to credible local partners.
We do not seek to replace humanitarian organisations or community actors. We seek to help coordinate, represent and support them so their needs can be heard at higher levels of international engagement and diaspora mobilisation.
Who leads and governs IPFD?
IPFD is governed by an independent Board of Directors and operates as a registered U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation. You can learn more about our leadership here:
We are also committed to financial transparency and regularly publish information about how donor support is invested in our work.
How can I support IPFD?
There are many ways to support our work.
Still have a question?
If your question isn’t answered here, we’d be delighted to hear from you.