The 2022 NDI Democracy Gala was a triumphal celebration of democracy and its defenders. 

In November, representatives from NDI’s civil society partners in Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan came together for a two-day virtual roundtable event addressing their respective advocacy efforts focused on the preservation of civic space. As countries across sub-Saharan Africa face a worrisome trend of democratic backsliding, NDI seeks to provide opportunities for civil society organizations (CSOs) to learn from their peers' experience operating in increasingly repressive environments and promoting greater respect and protection of civil liberties.

Due to its high altitudes, diverse terrain and weather variability, Nepal’s environment is exceedingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The country faces flooding, landslides, monsoons, food shortages and a rapidly changing ecosystem. Climate change will have untold consequences on Nepal’s population, especially among rural and marginalized groups, and could cause economic, social and health problems. To mitigate these impacts, coordinated efforts among the government, citizens and the international community are needed.

Today, more than one-third of Africa’s population is aged between 15 and 35. Ordinarily a cheering picture of a promising future for the continent, but evidence shows this demographic advantage remains to be seen in political inclusion, particularly inclusion and visibility of young people in internal political party processes. There is more evidence that young people tend to vote less frequently, stand as candidates less often and remain underrepresented in electoral functions and political party processes in the continent.

In February 2021, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador modified the Comprehensive Special Law for a Life Free of Violence for Women (Ley Especial Integral para una Vida Libre de Violencia para las Mujeres, LEIV) to codify violence against women in politics (VAW-P).

One of the most critical barriers to inclusive democracies and institutions is violence or threats of violence that directly impact women’s ability to participate in politics and in the media. While the two sectors have distinct challenges, violence against women in politics and in the media (VAW-PM) exhibits many of the same traits: individuals, institutions, and sociocultural norms mitigating against women working safely and equitably in male-dominated fields. Often, however, women in both fields are pitted against each other and encouraged to distrust each other.

The recent killing of two Polish citizens by missiles that landed in a Polish village near the Ukrainian border brought yet another sleepless night to residents across the country. For nine months, the war in Ukraine has been affecting the lives of Poles, as nearly 8 million Ukrainians have crossed the border since February 24 seeking and finding refuge in multiple Polish cities in Europe’s largest wartime refugee displacement since World War Two.

Ukrainian politicians and political parties have been united in their common mission to defeat Russia and preserve Ukraine’s democracy, independence and sovereignty since the full-scale invasion. This message of unity remains at the forefront as Ukraine enters the ninth month of war. Throughout this period, Ukrainian political parties European Solidarity, Servant of the People and Batkivschyna have continued to invest in developing and maintaining strong internal party infrastructures and prioritizing inclusion, especially for women and youth.

The remarkable achievement of two women—Hon. Kessy Sawang and Hon. Rufina Peter—being elected to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Parliament after an all-male term (2017 - 2022) demonstrates that, despite tremendous barriers, there are openings in the political environment that can be leveraged to consolidate women’s representation in the country’s political institutions.