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CaraDem

CaraDem
CaraDem is an Irish-led, independent, not-for-profit organisation committed to encouraging democratic governance. The organisation, launched in 2025, is comprised of Irish and international leaders with backgrounds in public service, business, politics and civil society. CaraDem partners with international institutions, political parties, governments, economic actors and civil society to facilitate the development of enduring solutions, grounded in democratic principles. CaraDem’s approach is deeply collaborative, harnessing the diverse expertise of our team and Ireland’s century-long experience as an independent democracy. Among CaraDem’s founding Directors are two former Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers, Simon Coveney and Eamon Gilmore. Both political leaders also served as Deputy Prime Ministers for Ireland, and each were pivotal to securing and sustaining a lasting solution to the Northern Ireland conflict.
  • South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, D04TR29
Countries of work

Ireland

The latest from CaraDem

Public Consultation on the Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for the eighth time from July to December 2026. This will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda in a way which responds to the overall interests and needs of the Union and its Member States.

CaraDem: An Irish-led Democracy Initiative

In June 2024, a group of 20 Irish leaders came together to consider whether Ireland could play a role in supporting democracy as it becomes increasingly threatened around the world. We considered if the island’s history, challenges and successes could offer an important perspective in democracy building at a global
level. After a period of deliberation, we have established CaraDem, an Irish-led Democracy Initiative. Taking its name from the Irish word Cara, meaning ‘friend’, our organisation aims to work with partners around the world to build, strengthen and protect democratic governance.

Open positions

Working for democracy provides an opportunity to contribute towards shaping fair, just, and equitable societies around the world. Our network of organisations, located at the heart of Europe, is dedicated to making a positive impact on individuals’ and communities’ freedoms and human rights through our programmes, research, and advocacy activities.