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.

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.

NDI and the Kennan Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars cordially invite you to a panel discussion on "The Role of Parliament in Kyrgyzstan's Democratic Development," with members of parliament from the Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Democracy Committee.

Leslie Campbell, senior associate and regional director of NDI's Middle East and North Africa programs will take part in a discussion titled “The Arab Spring, Prospects for Democracy," part of the Engage America Speakers Series presented by the Savannah Council on World Affairs. Joining him will be Thomas Garrett, vice president for programs at the International Republican Institute. For more information, visit freesavannahcwa.org.

Time: 8 p.m.

A 21-member delegation of senior political party leaders from Kenya is visiting Washington during the week of December 5th to explore the operations of political parties within a bicameral legislative system and the roles of the majority and minority in the U.S. Congress. The delegation includes a Deputy Prime Minister, three cabinet-level ministers, five members of parliament including two government whips and the leadership of seven political parties in Kenya.