Ivo Balinov leads the development, and implementation of the Parliamentary Centre’s programs in Canada and around the world.

Since 2003, Ivo has formulated and led successful initiatives focused on the strengthening of democratic and inclusive governance in complex political environments in over 25 countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. He brings to our team a solid track record of successful programming, award winning innovations, extensive partnership networks, and an intimate understanding of working cultures in various parts of the world. Ivo is an experienced negotiator with a track record in developing and sustaining institutional and programming partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders: parliamentarians, high-ranking government officials, civil society and private sector actors, think tanks, academia, international organizations and funding agencies.

Educated in diplomacy and political science, Ivo holds a MA in European Studies from Carleton University, Ottawa. He also received a graduate degree in International Relations from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Strong knowledge and understanding of global trends and challenges in the development of democratic institutions and processes with a particular focus on parliaments and their relations with civil society, individual citizens and other governance stakeholders.

Ivo’s dedication to creating change in our field of work has been assisted by the understanding that sustainable democratic governance relies on constructive relationships between individual citizens, local civil society actors, private sector actors and institutions of governance. Ivo believes the empowerment of marginalized groups is an essential prerequisite in the decision-making process when it comes to building peace, stability, and prosperity.