Governance and Integrity
At BRIDGE, governance and integrity are not just operational principles, they are core to our identity and purpose. As a think-and-do institute working at the intersection of democracy, environment, and development in a region marked by deep political, ecological, and economic transitions, BRIDGE is committed to practicing the same values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity that it seeks to promote in public life.
We recognize that our legitimacy depends not only on the quality of our ideas but also on how we govern ourselves and engage others. In an era of eroding civic trust, increasing political polarization, and shrinking democratic space, BRIDGE aims to model ethical leadership, institutional transparency, and collaborative governance from within.
Our Institutional Governance Model
BRIDGE is guided by a multi-stakeholder International Advisory Board, composed of distinguished regional and global leaders from academia, civil society, public service, and the private sector. Board members are carefully selected for their expertise, credibility, and commitment to nonpartisanship. They are contractually bound to uphold BRIDGE’s values of political neutrality and evidence-based engagement. The Board provides strategic oversight, safeguards institutional neutrality, and ensures alignment with our mission.
In addition, BRIDGE maintains a network of accomplished Fellows and a Leadership Team responsible for operational leadership, program implementation, and staff coordination. A rotating Peer Review Panel oversees the academic and methodological integrity of all research outputs.
Financial Transparency and Ethical Funding
BRIDGE follows a strict funding code that prohibits financial support from actors or institutions that compromise our independence or conflict with our values. All funding sources to be disclosed annually through a publicly accessible Transparency Portal, and our financial management systems will undergo third-party audits. An Annual Integrity Review, conducted by an independent external evaluator, will be carried out to reinforce our commitment to accountability.
Safeguarding Nonpartisanship
In a region where policy and politics often overlap, BRIDGE maintains a clear firewall between its work and partisan agendas. We do not engage in lobbying or political campaigning. Instead, we provide open platforms for dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including governments, opposition parties, civil society, and the private sector, while remaining firmly committed to neutrality and inclusion.
All fellows, staff, and collaborators are required to sign a Code of Conduct affirming nonpartisanship, intellectual honesty, and a commitment to respectful and inclusive engagement. BRIDGE also maintains a whistleblower policy and independent grievance mechanism to address ethical concerns or misconduct.
A Culture of Integrity
Beyond compliance and policies, BRIDGE strives to foster a culture of integrity. We believe that ethical action must be embedded in everyday practice: from how we conduct community consultations to how we cite local knowledge. We are intentional about elevating voices historically excluded from decision-making processes, including women, Indigenous peoples, youth, and frontline communities.
At BRIDGE, integrity is not just a safeguard, it is a strategy. It enables trust, deepens partnerships, and sustains the credibility required to catalyze long-term change in complex systems. Through our commitment to governance excellence, we aim to be not just a thought leader, but also a trusted convener and partner across the Bay of Bengal region.