Three decades of supporting democracy: International IDEA’s 30th anniversary

Since the Stockholm Founding Conference in 1995, International IDEA has worked to deliver policy-relevant knowledge, capacity development, advocacy and dialogue facilitation to advance and protect sustainable democracy globally. Over the years, the Institute has expanded in size and influence, now comprising 35 Member States from all regions, two Observer States, 20 offices in the Global South and North, and countless projects, while remaining the leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to supporting democracy worldwide.

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, International IDEA will host a series of events and activities across different regions and teams including a High-Level Dialogue in South Africa, events on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York, and an Anniversary Week from 9–13 June in Stockholm.

The Anniversary Week will bring together International IDEA’s Member States, Board of Advisers, representatives from International IDEA Member States’ Electoral Management Bodies, partners and other stakeholders to engage in dialogues on the state of democracy, the Institute’s role and achievements.

The commemoration will commence with a special session in the Stockholm Series on Climate Change and Democracy, a public lecture organized by International IDEA in collaboration with other Stockholm-based institutions and organizations. The focus of this lecture will be on the challenges that climate change poses to elections. The keynote will be delivered by Sarah Birch, Professor of Political Science at King's College London, who will be joined by Tom Rogers, International IDEA Board Member and former Election Commissioner of Australia.  

At the core of the Anniversary Week will be the Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity, hosted by International IDEA, the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish Election Authority, and the Australian Electoral Commission. The conference will offer a platform for electoral management bodies (EMBs) from International IDEA’s Member States and partners to share experiences and discuss EMB leadership in a transforming world.  

The conference will facilitate discussions on the role of EMBs in conducting trustworthy elections in a radically uncertain and rapidly changing environment. This will provide a space for practitioners to share their experiences, exchange notes on good practice, and highlight some of the most pressing issues. High-level discussions on safeguarding the independence of electoral institutions and management bodies, international cooperation in elections, maintaining and restoring trust, and EMB leadership in reforms & regulations will frame the day's agenda. The Conference on Electoral Integrity will culminate in the Stockholm Consensus, a participant-driven document which will provide a guiding framework for promoting and safeguarding the crucial role of EMBs in upholding electoral integrity.

To further mark the 30th anniversary, International IDEA will host an Extraordinary Council Meeting, with a leading role from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden. This event will feature high-level discussions on strengthening democracy and democracy assistance. Additionally, His Excellency Andreas Norlén, Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, will host Council representatives at a Reception at the Swedish Parliament in honor of the Institute’s milestone.

By bringing together key actors for democracy worldwide and offering a platform for dialogue, these events will not only commemorate International IDEA’s three decades of impact, but reaffirms its enduring commitment to help build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable democratic future for all.