International IDEA and South Africa sign Host Country Agreement to strengthen democratic collaboration

The agreement, which was signed in Pretoria, will allow International IDEA to establish its Africa and West Asia regional office in South Africa, renewing a formal presence that had lapsed in 2012 when the regional office was relocated from Pretoria to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  The HCA marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between International IDEA and South Africa. As one of the founding member states in 1995, South Africa has consistently supported International IDEA’s vision of sustainable democracy that delivers for all citizens. 

International IDEA works in close cooperation with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as recently evidenced by the joint convening of the High-Level Dialogue on Reimagining Democracy in Pretoria, South Africa, on 19-20 June, as part of the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the Institute. In addition, the HCA will facilitate stronger collaboration with the Electoral Commission of South Africa, which remains a highly valued partner and pre-eminent leader in electoral democracy in Africa. The Africa and West Asia Regional Office also looks forward to building stronger networks with civil society actors and think tanks in South Africa and in the region, as well as with the South African Community for Development (SADC).
 

With this HCA, South Africa takes a further step in reinforcing its global and regional leadership in democratic innovation and cooperation.