Nairobi Forum ‘85 and the 1987 International Caucus of Women Political Leaders: From its earliest days, NDI has contributed to the global dialogue on women's political participation and leadership. The Institute’s engagement in Forum '85 - which presaged the non-governmental track in the UN's conferences on the status of women - helped define NDI’s broad approach to women’s political empowerment.

Strengthening the decision making of homeowners has been a vital step in the evolution and development of democratic norms. Improving the rights of homeowners not only strengthens their abilities to hold institutions and property managers accountable, but it has consistently helped to develop a culture of democratic oversight, and is a small step towards normalizing citizen control of policies that reflect their  needs.

In support of NDI’s commitment to strengthening young people’s impact, influence and leadership, we are highlighting the essential work of our youth-led partners. These leaders are fighting at the forefront for the inclusion of young people in decision-making processes and the elimination of barriers to political participation for young people in all their diversity.

For decades, party international organizations have mobilized like-minded political parties from around the world to share knowledge and organize a joint agenda. However, democratically-minded party networks have historically lacked a dedicated international space to collaborate with each other in the defense of democratic institutions globally. In order to answer the rise of authoritarians around the world, party internationals can work together to leverage their powerful party networks to enact and protect new democratic norms.