CaraDem

About Us
Our Work
Our People
Contact

Working with leaders across governance systems

CaraDem is an Irish-led, independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to encouraging inclusive governance based on our values of collaboration, respect and trust.Our story began when a group of Irish leaders came together to consider whether Ireland could play a role in supporting inclusive governance. Whether the island’s history, challenges and successes could offer an important perspective at a global level was explored, and international support for our initiative grew.

Taking its name from the Irish word Cara, meaning ‘friend’, our organisation aims to work with partners around the world to co-curate conditions where everyone, from citizens to government, work together in trust and accountability.

CaraDem’s Purpose

CaraDem partners with leaders across governance systems, from government institutions to civil society, to facilitate the development of enduring solutions grounded in democratic principles.

Our Work

By convening diverse voices, supporting policy design and facilitating trust-building initiatives, CaraDem is committed to shaping governance practices that are collaborative and resilient. Our work is delivered through multi-disciplinary teams and close cooperation with partners to strengthen outcomes. Rather than competing with existing efforts, CaraDem complements and amplifies them.Our Service Offer encompasses four areas: Enhancing Democratic Governance, Facilitating Trust-Building, Fostering Collaborative Democracy, and Supporting Economic Growth & Job Creation. Recognising technology's significant impact across each of these areas, we integrate it as a key consideration in all the support we offer.

Enhancing Democratic Governance

Working with governments, parliaments and institutions of the state to enhance democratic governance.

Facilitating Trust-Building

Facilitating trust-building between governments, institutions and citizens.

Fostering Collaborative Democracy

Fostering collaborative democracy by maximising citizen participation.

Supporting Economic Growth & Job Creation

Supporting the conditions for economic growth and job creation.

Our People

CaraDem was inspired by Irish and international leaders with backgrounds in public service, business, politics and civil society. Among our group, we have experts and leaders in defence and security, policing, regulation, technology, strategic communications, business and post-conflict redress.Our co-founding directors are Catherine Heaney, who has led the development of the initiative and is our CEO, and former Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Tánaistí (deputy prime ministers), Simon Coveney and Eamon Gilmore.