The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

To mark the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, NDI and the Presidential Inaugural Committee hosted a luncheon Jan. 20 for more than 150 Washington-based ambassadors at Blair House, the guest quarters for visiting heads of state located across the street from the White House.

On Thursday, January 29, NDI President Kenneth Wollack held a live online discussion with Lorne Craner, the president of the International Republican Institute (IRI), about the two presidents’ recent paper, “New Directions for Democracy Promotion.” The paper looks at how the U.S. should remain engaged in supporting the emergence and growth of democracy worldwide.

The web chat took place on Jan. 29. You may read a transcript of the chat at:

The National Democratic Institute, together with the International Republican Institute, implemented nationwide programming in support of Iraq’s January 31 provincial elections. The elections are expected to have a significant ongoing impact on the country’s political system.