Left to right, seated: Amerina Padilla, Roselynn Musa, Beverly Longid; standing: Prof. Roland Simbulan, Rev. Malcolm Damon, Antonio Tujan Jr., Atty. Edwin Dela Cruz, Chennaiah Poguri, Sonny Africa

IBON International Foundation held its first Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting last November 9-10, 2015 at the Sacro Costato Retreat House, Quezon City, Philippines.

Mr. Antonio Tujan Jr., the foundation’s director, gave the opening remarks for the meeting followed by a presentation of IBON International’s history, goals and achievements. Tujan discussed the organization’s niche to develop knowledge and capacities for peoples around the world. He also emphasized IBON International’s programs and global campaign work against neoliberal globalization, climate change, and the promotion of development justice in the international development arena.

The afternoon discussion focused on IBON International’s strategic plan, vision, mission and goals. Tujan introduced the concept of Rights-Based Democracy (RBD) as the new general framework of IBON International. He explained how RBD is premised on the full assertion of people’s rights and sovereignty in the process of social transformation and equitable development.

The first-day session concluded with the provisional adoption of IBON International’s General Strategic Plan for 2016 to 2020.

On the following day, the Board of Trustees elected the first set of Foundation officers for 2016-2017, namely: Rev. Malcolm Damon as Chairperson; Ms. Roselynn Musa as Vice-Chairperson; Mr. Rafael Mariano as Secretary; and Ms. Beverly Longid as Treasurer. BOT member Prof. Roland Simbulan wasselected as the Head of the Membership Committee with IBON International managers Jennifer Malonzo and Angelita Jimenez as the committee’s members.

Lastly, Tujan was formally appointed as IBON International’s Director and Amerina Padilla as Deputy Director. The BOT also confirmed IBON International’s Management Committee members.

The election of IBON International’s new governance body signals its institutional strengthening as it aims to continue building solidarity and developing capacity for people’s rights and democracy in the coming years. IBON International plans to expand its partnerships and networks, advance advocacy work in various global engagements, cultivate knowledge, and develop spaces for people’s organizations and movements around the world.