Defending Democracy: Secretary-General Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora’s Landmark Visit to Ukraine

On 12-14 November 2024, the Secretary-General of International IDEA, Dr. Kevin Casas-Zamora, alongside Sam van der Staak, Director for Europe, Jonathan Murphy, Head of the INTER PARES Programme, Yuliya Shypilova, Programme Manager for Elections and Parliamentary Strengthening, and Iryna Pushchyk, Programme Assistant, undertook a landmark mission to Ukraine. The visit marked the official opening of International IDEA’s new office in Kyiv and reinforced the organization's dedication to supporting Ukraine’s democratic journey during wartime.

^{Photo: Visiting International IDEA’s office in Kyiv.}

The visit included high-level engagements, dynamic dialogues with civil society, and participation in critical discussions on youth engagement, electoral processes, international collaboration, and parliamentary strengthening. 

^{Photo: Meeting with the Civic Society Organizations of Ukraine, International IDEA’s office in Kyiv.}

Highlights of the Visit

• Celebration of CEC’s 27th Anniversary: Dr. Casas-Zamora joined a ceremony commemorating the CEC’s decades-long commitment to upholding democratic integrity, delivering remarks that underscored the vital role of elections in democracy.

• Strengthening Electoral Preparedness: Dr. Casas-Zamora and Chairperson Oleh Didenko discussed International IDEA’s support for the CEC, focusing on developing an electoral risk management framework, facilitating international exchanges, and addressing the challenges of out-of-country voting aiming to ensure the inclusivity and integrity of the post-war elections.

• Engagement with Civil Society: Meetings with key organizations such as OPORA, Chesno, Internews Ukraine, CPLR, and the Reanimation Package of Reforms focused on addressing challenges such as disinformation, out-of-country voting, and leveraging technology to strengthen democratic practices.

• Promoting Parliamentary Strengthening: Discussions with the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada emphasized strengthening its capacity through the EU-funded INTER PARES programme, fostering collaboration with EU parliaments to support EU integration and budgetary oversight, and the USAID-funded RADA: Next Generation (RANG) program, which focuses on enhancing public outreach, citizen engagement, and cybersecurity while connecting factions with European political groups.

• Engagement with Embassies: Dr. Casas-Zamora held discussions with representatives from several embassies, including Finland, France, Estonia, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States, and the EU Delegation to Ukraine. These meetings focused on ongoing support for Ukraine’s democratic development, highlighting the critical role of international partnerships in addressing current challenges and exploring future opportunities, particularly in electoral and parliamentary strengthening.

Dr. Casas-Zamora also participated in a roundtable organized by Ukraine's Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on the importance of youth participation in elections. Held online, the event brought together over 200 participants, including scholars, representatives of international and civil society organizations, youth organizations, and students from approximately 50 educational institutions across Ukraine. The discussion emphasized how vital youth involvement is for the functioning and development of a democratic society. In his inspiring address to the participants, Dr. Casas-Zamora emphasized:

"Remember the profound impact your engagement can have on Ukraine’s future. Democracy is not a spectator sport; it requires active participation, especially from youth. Your ideas and energy are the lifeblood of democratic resilience and renewal."

^{Photo: Meeting with Oleh Didenko, Chairperson of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, Central Election Commission of Ukraine.}

On 14 November, Dr. Casas-Zamora delivered the keynote address at the INTER PARES workshop titled “Parliamentary Foresight in Action: Strengthening Democracy in Challenging Times.” The event, organized in partnership with the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, focused on leveraging foresight practices to address emerging challenges and enhance anticipatory governance.

^{Photo: Meeting with Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.}

As part of the visit, Dr. Casas-Zamora and the delegation honored the memory of Ukrainian heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s sovereignty and democracy. This solemn tribute highlighted the human cost of defending democratic values and the enduring commitment of Ukrainians to their nation's future. 

^{Photo: Commemorating Ukrainian soldiers who died in the Russian-Ukrainian war, Maidan Nezalezhnosti square.}

Dr. Casas-Zamora’s visit reinforced International IDEA’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s democratic institutions and empowering its citizens. Reflecting on the visit, he remarked:

"Your courage and determination have shown the world that democracy matters. International IDEA stands with Ukraine, recognizing your sacrifices and applauding your achievements in defending democracy."

This visit marked a significant step in International IDEA’s efforts to bolster Ukraine’s democracy, offering hope and support during one of the most challenging periods in its history.