Exploring innovation, technology, and sustainability of BRIDGE

On Thursday 23rd July 2026, International IDEA and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) co-hosted a virtual event for the BRIDGE facilitator community as part of the series “Maintaining the relevance of BRIDGE by addressing emerging topics and challenges while delivering modules and programs in the current global context”. The event titled “Technology: Friend or Foe?” focused on exploring themes of innovation, technology and sustainability in BRIDGE programming.

Representatives from the League of Arab States and the Independent Electoral Commission of Jordan presented their experiences in customizing a BRIDGE workshop for training young civic leaders in Jordan, and spoke on topics regarding youth engagement, AI, cybersecurity, and elections.

Following this presentation, BRIDGE facilitators from the Public Law Centre, University of Lomé, Togo delivered a presentation on AI, Digital Technology, disinformation and elections.

Therese, as the moderator, described these showcases as absolutely inspiring. She expressed excitement at both the topics and the methods of working, but also the important lessons learned. An interesting observation is that even though we’re talking about technology, in the end it comes right back down to people and an emphasis on rehearsing, confidence, and communication. “We know that what makes BRIDGE absolutely sing, what makes it magical, is the in-person connection that happens in the room and that kind of safe space that it creates to be able to explore, build our confidence, knowledge, networks and connectivity to help us prepare for the elections ahead.”

Participants then openly exchanged ideas on innovative facilitation techniques they had used in customisation and training.

Far more facilitators volunteered to showcase their work and ideas than were selected, showing healthy levels of engagement with BRIDGE among its facilitators. Technical difficulties midway with audio and translation were handled with grace by the presenters and audience alike.

The meeting was recorded and transcribed for future reference. Thank you to the organisers, to UNDP Jordan for technical support, the brilliant’ showcase teams’, the participants and all others who were involved in the successful planning and delivery of this event. Stay tuned for the next event in this series, scheduled for later in the year.