International IDEA, an intergovernmental organization with the sole mandate to support and advance democracy worldwide, has expanded its membership under Secretary-General Kevin Casas-Zamora. Last year, the United States joined as an observer.
“At a time when democracy is under threat around the world, France’s membership carries an important message of their commitment to International IDEA’s global values. France’s contribution to our mission will make a significant difference and we look forward to working together in the years ahead,” said Casas-Zamora.
International IDEA’s Council of Member States, chaired by The Netherlands, unanimously approved the membership request at a meeting in Stockholm on Friday, 1 December 2023.
As the French Ambassador to Sweden, Etienne Le Harivel de Gonneville underlined: “France has already contributed to International IDEA’s activities in the past and is proud and honoured to now fully join International IDEA. Our decision to join is part of our wider commitment to human rights and democracy, and France’s will to reinforce its support to electoral processes and parliamentary cooperation in the world. We look very much forward to developing and strengthening closer ties with International IDEA and its Member States.”
International IDEA has more than 300 staff working across the world, from Nepal to Nigeria and Peru. Last year it established a presence in Washington DC, adding to its regional offices in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Canberra and Panama City. It also plans to open an office in Ukraine in 2024.
Founded in 1995, International IDEA focuses on supporting electoral processes, constitution-building, democracy assessment, and political participation and representation. It also features climate change and the impact of digitalization on democracy in the institute’s programs.
The Institute acts as a powerful advocate for democracy, leading calls to protect rights during the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting the first global Summit for Democracy in 2021. Its Global State of Democracy initiative is a trusted, go-to report for policymakers around the world.
Available for text and video interviews:
Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA.
Media requests: Alistair Scrutton, Head of Communications and Knowledge Management, a.scrutton@idea.int; Mobile +46 707 211098.
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