Renewing Democracy - International IDEA's 2026 campaign

Democracy faces a multitude of threats globally. These threats, such as new geopolitics reshaping the world order, can appear overwhelming. But there is still much that can be done by democratic forces like International IDEA to advance democracy’s cause – and it’s about more than just safeguarding the status quo. To protect and preserve democracy for a new era, International IDEA believes we must also renew democracy with reforms, innovation, and fresh thinking. 

This year, International IDEA is focusing on Renewing Democracy as its campaign for 2026. We have identified three pillars of democratic resilience and renewal—trust, innovation, and diversity.

Trust — Polls show that people’s trust in their governments is in decline, driven by issues like disinformation, economic insecurity, and poor governance. International IDEA is highlighting how governments and international organisations can narrow this trust gap with good governance, and economic and political reforms.

Innovation — International IDEA is bridging the gap between traditional democratic institutions and the evolving needs of citizens: innovation for transparency, inclusivity and resilience: e.g.: citizen assemblies, expanding digital access to decision making, and leveraging AI to battle disinformation.

Diversity —  This involves ensuring varied perspectives on democracy from across the Global South and North, while also ensuring representation and participation and the fair distribution of democracy’s benefits.

Our vision regarding Renewing Democracy

International IDEA works in eight thematic areas:

1. Climate Change and Democracy
2. Constitutional Governance and Rule of Law
3. Democracy Assessment
4. Digitalization and Democracy
5. Electoral Processes
6. Gender and Inclusion
7. Money in Politics
8. Political Participation and Representation

 For each of them, we have briefly outlined what Renewing Democracy entails.

Young women in politics

The Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement (WYDE) – Women’s Leadership Initiative has a playlist of videos as part of a European Union–funded programme implemented by UN Women, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, International IDEA, and United Cities and Local Governments.

WYDE's Journey Mapping of Young Women in Politics features inspiring interviews with women leaders from across the world who share their political journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and their perspectives on inclusive leadership; through these conversations, they also highlight the valuable lessons and skills gained from International IDEA’s leadership academies, offering powerful insights into advancing women’s voices and participation in democracy.

View short videos of the women sharing their experiences.