Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Governance

IHRDG.

SUM's first advanced interdisciplinary education centre — launched 1 February 2022 to promote human rights, federal democracy, good governance, and sustainability by educating Myanmar's next generation of change-makers.

IHRDG logo
~97
Students enrolled
Academic year 2025, across four diploma programmes
15
Lecturers
20
Teaching assistants
7
Administrative team
About

What is IHRDG?

The Institute of Human Rights and Democratic Governance (IHRDG), Spring University Myanmar (SUM)'s first advanced interdisciplinary education center, was formally launched on February 1st, 2022. Our institution was founded with the aim of promoting human rights, federal democracy, good governance, and sustainability by educating a new generation of change-makers in Myanmar. We believe in transforming our society into a democratic and just one, where individuals of all ages, genders, religions, (dis)abilities, or sexual orientations are treated with respect and dignity. Our focus is on nurturing young professionals who possess the passion and potential to contribute significantly to the development of Myanmar.

Launched 1 February 2022
Our Diplomas

3 diplomas from IHRDG.

Courses

0 courses from IHRDG.

No courses are listed for this school.

Initiatives

Knowledge Sharing & Initiatives

We are working on turning IHRDG into a knowledge-sharing hub for Myanmar Studies — using these programmes to promote a culture of high-quality scholarship, research, and writing amongst our students as well as the wider public.

Monthly

Monthly Email Newsletter

Delivering recent social-science and development research on Myanmar and Southeast Asia, alongside updates on academic events. Guided by human rights, good governance, and sustainable development, it caters to diverse interests through research publications, event announcements, and multimedia content.

Weekly

Weekly Telegram Newsletter

Tailored for Myanmar's youth — curated news, analysis reports, scholarships, job opportunities, and upcoming webinars.

Since 2022

IHRDG Seminar Series

Launched in 2022 with support from International IDEA. National and international scholars, analysts, and activists share their latest research on human rights, good governance, and sustainable development. All seminars are recorded and available on the IHRDG YouTube channel.

Beyond the classroom

Students Enrichment Programme

A co-curricular training programme that runs alongside our regular classes — enabling students to learn more from their courses while preparing them for jobs and postgraduate study.

16Workshops in 2023
Bi-weeklyWorkshop cadence

Workshops

Bi-weekly workshops on education readiness, professional skill development, and preparation for further studies.

Counselling & Support

Mental-health counselling, guidance counsellor services, and financial assistance (mobile-internet data stipends and internship grants) for students experiencing hardship.

Mentoring Programme

Pairs experienced volunteers from industry and academia with mentees among our students and alumni.

Alumni Council

Established 7 April 2024 — keeping graduates connected to IHRDG and to each other beyond the diploma.

Student clubs:Reviewer's Circle ClubPoetry Therapy ClubBuddy Bridge Club
“Foster personal growth and development for our students that empowers them to pursue new opportunities after they leave IHRDG.”
Get in touch with IHRDG

Questions, partnerships or collaborations?

Reach the IHRDG team directly — for course enquiries, partnership proposals, or contributions to the seminar series and journal.