Main Scope
The main scope of the ICDC will be to bring together actors with different types of expertise to analyze how their collaborative efforts can contribute to strengthening Moldova’s resilience to disinformation and malign influences.
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About Us
The Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC)
The Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC) is a civil society platform established in 2023 with the support of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). It aims to enhance resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and to promote strategic communications efforts at the national level in Moldova.
As an independent, apolitical, and impartial non-governmental organisation, the ICDC strives to serve as a collaborative hub, fostering cooperation and coordination among key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, media outlets, academic institutions, international partners and state institutions.
ICDC VISION:
We want Moldova to be a resilient society, safeguarded against malign influences from external and internal hostile actors that threaten democracy, security and public order or the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. One where the population, civil society, independent media outlets, state institutions and international partners cooperate effectively, united by a shared commitment to addressing the risks posed by FIMI.
ICDC MISSION:
To contribute to the coordination of measures in Moldova that aim to ensure:
– Widespread awareness of the risks associated with FIMI, fostering a proactive approach to identifying and addressing these challenges
– The establishment of frameworks and best practices, aligned with EU and other relevant international standards, that are continuously adapted to identify, prevent and tackle FIMI
– A unified and coherent voice to reflect the Republic of Moldova’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, promoting Moldova’s own narratives
– Strategic campaigns and initiatives are implemented to inform and educate the population, encourage critical thinking and empower citizens to distinguish trustworthy information from disinformation
– Citizens are actively engaged in countering disinformation, hate speech and social polarisation
– Independent media outlets are empowered to operate freely and safely, offering diverse and reliable sources of information
– Trustworthy information is accessible, enabling informed decision-making and safeguarding democratic values
ICDC STRATEGIC GOALS:
1. To establish and facilitate collaborative platforms that bring together key actors to share best practices and experiences, supporting efforts to: identify, prevent and combat FIMI and disinformation; promote media literacy; improve transparency in decision-making; and implement strategic communication at the national level.
2. To provide stakeholders with methodologies and expertise to effectively address:
– The prevention, detection and counteraction of FIMI and disinformation
– The promotion of strategic communication aligned with democratic values
– Advancing media literacy to cultivate informed and resilient communities
3. To strengthen the capacity of media organisations, civil society groups and academic institutions through tailored training and development initiatives.
4. To raise awareness among citizens of the risks associated with FIMI and disinformation.
5. To conduct independent research and analysis on FIMI, disinformation and related topics, providing evidence-based insights for effective strategies and interventions.
6. To lead advocacy efforts for policy development and promote stronger legal and institutional frameworks to manage FIMI and disinformation, and to promote transparency in decision-making and media education.
7. To support the development, implementation, analysis, monitoring and evaluation of strategic communication campaigns on issues related to promoting democratic value
ICDC VALUES
ICDC is guided by and committed to the following core values:
– Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in a democratic society.
– Media independence is the cornerstone of a thriving democratic system.
– A diversity of opinions and media sources is essential for creating an inclusive and sustainable information environment.
– Inclusivity and non-discrimination are critical for developing citizen-focused public policies and ensuring the effective functioning of democratic mechanisms.
– Transparency, integrity, good governance and strong democratic institutions, alongside respect for human rights, form the foundation of a free, just and equitable society.
– Civil society oversight of public institutions is crucial for ensuring that the state adheres to democratic principles.
– Cooperation and joint efforts between government and civil society are fundamental in the process of strengthening democratic resilience, within a context marked by multiple challenges.
– Critical thinking is a central element in developing an informed society and resilience to disinformation and FIMI.
– A proactive approach to addressing FIMI and disinformation is the most effective way to build lasting societal resilience.
– The whole-of-society approach is the only effective way to achieve sustainable results and social cohesion.
– The independence, political neutrality and impartiality of ICDC and its partner organisations are essential principles underlying ICDC’s operational model, ensuring objectivity and efficiency in its activities.