ICDP is an independent, non-profit, non-political organisation that encourages and facilitates dialogue, discussions and better relationships between emerging and future Pacific and Australian leaders in government, civil society and the private sector on common challenges. ICDP aims to forge genuine and enduring strategic relationships between Pacific and Australian individuals and organisations to progress ‘Second Track’ dialogue, policy discussions and leadership development. It will support and strengthen the existing connections and help build new networks and coalitions for business, public sector, academia and community leaders in Australia and the Pacific. ICDP was established by the institute for active policy Global Access Partners (GAP) in July 2017. Through its ‘Second Track’ process, GAP generates links in all sectors to increase stakeholder participation in implementation of government policy and promotes innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to problem-solving. Supported by GAP’s alumni network of over 3,500 people in a broad range of fields, ICDP draws on the very best of Australian expertise and utilises the GAP model to expand and improve strategic discussions, policy processes and networks between Australia and the Pacific. ICDP is implementing Pacific Connect – a two-year pilot program announced by Prime Minister Turnbull at the 48th Pacific Islands Forum in Samoa on 8 September 2017. Pacific Connect will work with local leadership to identify opportunities, individuals and coalitions for engagement under a theme of ‘Australia-Pacific Connections for the Digital Future’.
