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.

Capital Radio interviews Kevin Casas-Zamora on the future of democracy

On Capital Radio (a Spanish-language podcast), International IDEA Secretary-General Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora discussed how supporting global democracy is not about defending the status quo but promoting democratic reforms and renewal. Listen to the episode, 'La Entrevista de El Balance' on Capital Radio site.