Agora

I co-founded the Democracy and Governance research programme in the existing Agora Think Tank, the UK’s open forum for foreign policy. This became the sixth (at the time) research programme alongside the existing Energy & Climate, Defence & Security, Europe, Migration, and Identities research programmes.

I then co-Headed the Democracy and Governance research programme for two years before passing the role on. Agora’s founding principles are based on engaging a more diverse range of people in foreign policy discussions, which resonated strongly with me, since I come from a background which is less represented in the field of foreign policy.

The Research Programme had a blog for contributors to share their research and ran regular events on a set theme under Democracy and Governance. The events were varied. There was Agora’s flagship “Policy and Pints” event, which encouraged foreign policy discussions in informal, comfortable settings around London. I arranged another event with the UK Parliament which was a workshop to teach attendees how to influence decisions, get their voice heard and develop campaigning skills. The event sold out and was very educational and fun for all.

The programme also successfully earned funding and collaborated with the prestigious European Forum Alpbach on an international stage. This collaborated with other think tanks from the Open Think Tank Network, on the theme of digital technologies and how they impact democracy.

My role included chairing and contributing in council meetings to develop Agora’s strategy, communications, and data, as well as setting the direction of the Democracy and Governance group. I also co-managed the editorial process, proofread and edited research output on democracy and governance, and established partnerships with external parties.

Since leaving Agora, I now serve on the Trustee Board.