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The Secretary-General

 International IDEA is in a unique position as the only intergovernmental organization with support for democracy as its sole mandate. Our non-prescriptive approach and respect for national ownership, combined with our unwavering commitment to sustainable democracy change, place International IDEA at the forefront of international efforts to support democracy. 

Vidar Helgesen

Secretary-General in action

News 2012-11-08
IDEA Secretary-General in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya

IDEA Secretary-General in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya

IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen visited Egypt, Tunisia and Libya from 3-7 November 2012 to meet with political leaders and support IDEA’s work in the region. In all three countries, constitutional processes are underway as fundamental steps in the democratic transition processes. Read more

Commentary 2012-10-12
International IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen welcomes the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 to the European Union

International IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen welcomes the award of the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 to the European Union

“The EU was founded as a democracy project to bind together the countries of Europe in peaceful cooperation in the aftermath of two devastating world wars. It is the single most successful example of peace-building and conflict resolution in modern times.” Read more

News 2012-10-03
International IDEA signs Host Country Agreement with Haiti

International IDEA signs Host Country Agreement with Haiti

International IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen is visiting Haiti on 1-3 October, his first visit to the country since the start-up of IDEA activities in January 2012 to support the democratic process in Haiti. Read more

News 2012-09-28
Ensuring equal rights and participation for all: IDEA Secretary-General at the Trygve Lie Symposium

Ensuring equal rights and participation for all: IDEA Secretary-General at the Trygve Lie Symposium

The IDEA Secretary-General, Vidar Helgesen, addressed the 5th Annual Trygve Lie Symposium in New York on 27 September 2012 on the theme of “States in Transition: Ensuring Equal Rights and Participation for All”. Read more

News 2012-09-26
The rule of law and democracy – IDEA Secretary-General in New York

The rule of law and democracy – IDEA Secretary-General in New York

International IDEA’s Secretary-General, Vidar Helgesen, addressed on 25 September 2012 in New York the Community of Democracy Ministerial meeting on the theme of The Rule of Law and Democracy. Helgesen highlighted the recently-published report of the Global Commission on Democracy, Elections and Security - Deepening Democracy: A Strategy for Improving the Integrity of Elections Worldwide - which has as a starting point the fundamental nature of the rule of law to democracy and the integrity of elections. Read more

News 2012-05-16
IDEA Secretary-General briefs Myanmar Speaker and Parliamentary delegation

IDEA Secretary-General briefs Myanmar Speaker and Parliamentary delegation

IDEA Secretary-General Vidar Helgesen met in Oslo on 15 May with U Thura Shwe Mann, Speaker of the Myanmar Parliament, together with a delegation of MPs and Committee Chairpersons. Read more

News 2012-05-04
Supporting sustainable democracy in South East Asia

Supporting sustainable democracy in South East Asia

The Secretary-General of International IDEA, Vidar Helgesen, met with the Secretary-General of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Surin Pitsuwan, on 2 May 2012 in Jakarta. Read more

In the news 2012-04-03
It is now that the real work starts for the people of Myanmar

It is now that the real work starts for the people of Myanmar

"I wish to congratulate all 45 newly-elected representatives to the Myanmar parliament, not least Aung San Suu Kyi, who is an honorary member of International IDEA's Board of Advisors." Read more

Commentary 2012-03-15
Syria: from national uprising to international threat

Syria: from national uprising to international threat

At the United Nations 2005 World Summit, leaders of all nations agreed on two things highly relevant to today’s situation in Syria. They reaffirmed democracy as a universal value. And they agreed on the doctrine of responsibility to protect. Read more

Commentary 2012-02-17
IDEA Secretary-General warmly welcomes the entry into force of the 'African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance'

IDEA Secretary-General warmly welcomes the entry into force of the 'African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance'

The ratification and entry into force on 15 February 2012 of the 'African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance' is a significant step in entrenching the African Union's commitment to democracy and for the citizens of Africa in their efforts to build and deepen their democracy. Read more

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