Body
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization with a mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide. [source: international-idea] It works with local communities, democracy practitioners, and partner organizations all over the world, with a global reach that includes offices in 20 countries and its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. [source: international-idea] The organization was established as an international intergovernmental organization by 14 founding Members at a conference held in Stockholm on 27 February 1995. [source: international-idea] Since then, it has influenced the landscape of democracy and electoral processes across the world. [source: international-idea]
The organization produces and disseminates comparative knowledge, policy-relevant analysis, tools, communication products, and data. [source: international-idea] It provides high-quality capacity development and training on democracy-building and reform processes. [source: international-idea] As an impartial and trusted democracy assistance provider, it facilitates dialogues on democratic reform. [source: international-idea] It also protects and safeguards democracy when it is challenged by undemocratic and authoritarian forces. [source: international-idea]
International IDEA runs various initiatives and projects. For example, its “Protecting Elections” project develops an Integrated Framework for Protecting Elections that promotes the use of risk management, resilience-building, and crisis management methods. [source: international-idea] The “Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) – Women’s Leadership Initiative” focuses on advancing women’s political participation and decision-making through social norms change, networking, and global advocacy. [source: international-idea] Other projects include support to the Parliament of Bhutan and civil society organizations, and improving the resilience of democracy in Central America by strengthening civil society organizations and media outlets in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. [source: international-idea]
Use it for
A campaigner can use International IDEA as a source of comparative knowledge, policy-relevant analysis, and data on democracy and electoral processes. [source: international-idea] The organization’s capacity development and training materials can help campaigners build skills in democracy-building and reform processes. [source: international-idea] Additionally, campaigners can engage with International IDEA’s advocacy work to protect democracy when it is challenged by undemocratic and authoritarian forces. [source: international-idea] The organization’s projects, such as those focused on protecting elections and advancing women’s and youth democratic engagement, offer frameworks and initiatives that campaigners can learn from or participate in. [source: international-idea]