International IDEA

Last week offered an inspiring look into the future of democracy in the Nordic-Baltic region. International IDEA brought together policymakers, journalists, academics, and activists from the region and beyond for a two-day foresight workshop, followed by a dynamic half-day Youth Hub. Together, participants explored what democracy in the region could look like by 2050 and how today’s choices can shape tomorrow’s outcomes. Expert foresight facilitators guided participants through scenario building and long-term thinking. The Youth Hub then expanded on these scenarios, reflecting on concrete actions that could strengthen democratic resilience. 🌱 The scenarios developed during the workshop help organizations and democracy actors shift from reactive to proactive strategies. By imagining multiple futures, they can better anticipate challenges and opportunities ahead. 🌍 International IDEA has been facilitating similar foresight initiatives in Asia and the Pacific, Africa and West Asia, and Europe, contributing to a broader global conversation on the future of democracy. 🔗 Links to past reports:    Imagining Democratic Futures: The Western Balkans in 2040 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dwm-nH5P Imagining Democratic Futures: Southern Africa Foresight Report 2025 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d2TY58tE  Imagining Democratic Futures: Asia and the Pacific Foresight Report 2024 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/deeu5W9D  Democracy in Asia and the Pacific Outlook 2023 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d-jFNhAe Katarzyna Gardapkhadze Daniel Riveong, APF Johanna Ketola Alexander Hudson Gentiana Gola Emily Bloom 

Launching today: a joint call to the European Parliament on democracy in the next EU multiyear budget (MFF). As the EU shapes the future #GlobalEurope instrument for EU external action, democracy partners are urging the European Parliament to ensure #DemocracySupport is not just referenced—but designed to deliver. What we’re asking for: 🔹 Strengthening the democracy priority in budgets and programmes in different parts of the regulation  🔹 Resourcing democratic resilience and democratic openings through support for electoral integrity, civic space, independent media, and institutions defending democracy 🔹 Maintaining and resourcing a global democracy & human rights programme 🔹 Ensuring democracy and rule of law support is integral to Global Gateway and to Enlargement priorities 🔗 Full statement: https://lnkd.in/dTQiXDvg European Endowment for Democracy (EED) ENoP - European Network of Political Foundations European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) Open Government Partnership International IDEA #MFF #EUValues #RenewingDemocracy

International IDEA hosted the regional launch of the Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections in Addis Ababa, bringing together partners working to strengthen electoral integrity across Africa and beyond. Explore the key insights, lessons learned, and why this framework matters for safeguarding democratic processes. 🔗 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dYwUQZKB

Today in Addis Ababa, International IDEA launched the Integrated Framework for #ProtectingElections in #Africa – a practical, adaptable and gender-sensitive set of resources designed to help electoral actors strengthen electoral integrity in increasingly complex environments. The Framework was developed with support from the Government of Canada.   Opening the event, H.E. John Kotsopoulos, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the AU, and Dr. Roba D Sharamo, International IDEA’s Regional Director for Africa and West Asia, underscored a shared reality: electoral processes are facing growing pressures – from security threats to declining public trust – making practical, risk‑focused solutions more essential than ever. The strong engagement from African EMBs throughout the pilot phase has reinforced this need, demonstrating both the Framework’s relevance and the sense of ownership it has generated across the region. The Framework was then presented by Mr. Sead Alihodzic, Principal Adviser at International IDEA, who outlined its key resources, while Ms. Olufunto Akinduro, Senior Adviser at International IDEA, shared reflections on how the Framework responds to the challenges, needs, and ongoing efforts of EMBs across Africa.   Participants also heard insights from Mr. Irfan Abdool Rahman, GOSK , Election Commissioner of Mauritius, the first country to pilot the Framework. He highlighted how applying the Framework had led to a shift toward more structured and professional approaches to identifying and managing electoral risks in his context — with clear potential for wider use across the continent.   Today’s launch marks the beginning of a longer journey. International IDEA remains committed to supporting electoral stakeholders in building more resilient, inclusive, and trusted elections across Africa and beyond.

In Samoa today, International IDEA's Asia Pacific team met with H.E. Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt, alongside the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO), building on a longstanding partnership to strengthen locally grounded democratic governance and broaden access to electoral participation.   The discussion highlighted the central role of civil society in Samoa’s democratic ecosystem, with the IOE Samoa project, supported by the European Union that has helped strengthen engagement between citizens and institutions, build trust and enable more responsive and inclusive governance. As the project approaches its conclusion, there is a shared recognition of the need to carry this work forward, including through deeper engagement with district councils. More about the project: https://lnkd.in/dpDZFQxU  

Our new #DemocracyFocus newsletter is out! This month we spotlight: 🔹 #IWD2026: Advancing rights, justice and action for ALL women and girls. 🔹 #GDC2026: Regional Forums tackling AI-driven disinformation, shrinking #CivicSpace and rising youth movements. 🔹 #RenewingDemocracy: Europe’s search for a common narrative in turbulent times. 🎥 Vidcast: Why human rights institutions must engage citizens abroad.   Get the full edition and join the conversation on stronger, more inclusive #democracy.

Foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) is often treated as an external threat, but its impact depends on internal, country-specific vulnerabilities and domestic actors. Our latest report shows that FIMI is not the main cause of democratic decline. It acts as a stress test, exploiting polarisation, unregulated digital environments, and domestic dynamics. The report also highlights the role of domestic actors in enabling interference and the use of gender and identity-based attacks to drive polarisation. The takeaway: strengthening democratic resilience requires addressing internal vulnerabilities alongside external threats. 🔗 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/dsX85JkN  #FIMI #moneyinpolitics 

Around the world, we are witnessing a backlash against #GenderEquality and democratic values, alongside shrinking civic space and rising polarization. These trends threaten the progress achieved in advancing women’s rights and undermine efforts to build inclusive justice systems. Ensuring justice for women and girls requires addressing structural barriers at every level. This includes eliminating discriminatory laws and practices; strengthening judicial and constitutional frameworks that uphold equality; and ensuring that women are meaningfully represented in institutions responsible for law-making, governance, and oversight. Women must not be seen merely as beneficiaries of justice systems, but as leaders and agents of change in shaping them. When women participate in decision-making, institutions become more responsive, inclusive and legitimate. But we must not forget that achieving access to #JusticeForAll also requires addressing violence against women in politics and public life, improving data and monitoring mechanisms, and investing in institutions capable of protecting their rights and ensuring accountability. Only through such comprehensive efforts can justice systems effectively serve all women and girls.  #CSW70 #IWD2026 https://lnkd.in/dCTGwwzc

Tomorrow, International IDEA will join Transparency International for a webinar on the landmark resolution adopted at #CoSP11 to combat corruption through transparency in political finance. The 90-minute session will focus on practical entry points for implementation and monitoring, and strengthen coordination among key stakeholders. 👥 Join the conversation on how to turn global standards into real action. https://lnkd.in/dfWCHeme