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.

On Feb. 16, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host a discussion on Senegal’s elections and their implications for democracy, economic growth and regional stability.

The Society for International Development will examine the developments since last year's Arab Spring and the opposing advancement of the current Arab Winter. Barrie Freeman, Director of North Africa Programs at NDI, will moderate a discussion about the progress of the efforts, and further, how democratic movements have affected international development in the region.

Speakers include Ambassador Bob Pearson, President of IREX; Thomas Vajda, U.S. Department of State; and Scott Mastic, MENA Regional Director at IRI.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) will host back-to-back panel discussions on the Middle East during their annual Policy Conference.

Featured speaker Les Campbell, senior associate and regional director for Middle East and North Africa programs at NDI, will take part in a panel discussion titled "Arab Democracy? Institution Building in the Middle East."

Time: 1:30 to 3 p.m. and 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.

Date: March 5, 2012

A panel discussion will talk about the political future of Venezuela, where after its primary election, voters chose Henrique Capriles, governor of Miranda state, as the unified opposition candidate for the upcoming presidential election.

Speaker: Jennifer McCoy, Professor, Carter Center