Council of Member States gathered for the 33rd annual meeting

The 33rd annual Council meeting and side events on 5-6 December 2024 brought together Member States and Observers from over thirty countries to discuss democracy-related issues such as elections, constitution building, and gender equality. The timing was fitting as 2024, the year referred to as the “Global Elections Super-Cycle,” was drawing to a close.

The program opened with two events that set the stage for meaningful engagement. The Stockholm Series of Public Lectures featured climate activist Luisa Neubauer and Secretary-General of International IDEA, Kevin Casas-Zamora, who explored the challenges faced by climate movements in shrinking civic spaces and the intersection of climate activism and democracy. Simultaneously, the Canadian Embassy hosted a screening of the documentary Backlash: Misogyny in the Digital Age. The event was organized by the Embassy of Canada to Sweden, the Embassy of Luxembourg to Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway, International IDEA and UN Women and was followed by a panel discussion marking the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The panel featured Annie Lööf, former leader of the Swedish Centre Party, Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu from International IDEA, and Ulrika Grandin from UN Women Sweden. Both events drew lessons from the Institute’s expertise in Climate Change and Democracy as well as Gender and Inclusion.

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The second day began with an exclusive dialogue with Simon Johnson, 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences. This was followed by a series of briefings showcasing International IDEA’s workstreams and initiatives with Member States. Seema Shah, Head of Democracy Assessment, and Therese Pearce-Laanela, Head of Electoral Processes, reflected on key trends, challenges, and innovations from the 2024 Super-Election Year, offering valuable insights into global electoral processes. Maria Leissner, Ambassador-at-large at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented the ongoing Canberra to Stockholm Exchanges on Electoral Integrity that will culminate in an in-person conference in Stockholm during the 30th anniversary celebrations of International IDEA. Sumit Bisarya, Head of Constitution-Building Processes, led a conversation about the review of the scope of the Constitution-Building Programme. 

The day continued with a session on Gender and Inclusion, where Luxembourg showcased its leadership in the Member State Exchange focused on gender. Presentations by Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu, Principal Adviser for Democracy and Inclusion, and Marcela Rios Tobar, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted ongoing projects and potential avenues for collaboration between International IDEA and Member States.

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The Council meeting gathered 32 Member States and 2 Observers and featured conversations about institutional, governance and financial priorities. A heartfelt farewell was also given to Massimo Tommasoli, the departing Director of Global Programmes, after 22 years of service. 

The meeting was the last governance meeting chaired by Luxembourg’s, providing opportunities for looking back at the highlights of the Chairship year. The meeting concluded on a high note, with Luxembourg’s Ambassador, Henri Schumacher, handing over the Chairship to Switzerland’s Ambassador, Adrian Junker, with the Dominican Republic and Indonesia elected as Vice Chairs. Switzerland’s Chairship year will also mark the 30th anniversary of International IDEA, and the Institute looks forward to continuing its strong engagement with the Member States during this pivotal moment of the Institute's journey.

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