Strengthening democracy around the world | Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer and more inclusive, accountable and transparent.

Discover WFD at 30

Where we work

We operate directly in more than 30 countries and territories across the world.

What we do

Information about our programmes, research and policy.

Research

We produce research that aims to build an evidence base for and improve the quality of democracy support.

Resources

Our resources, including practical guides, reports, briefings and studies.

Events

Browse through the latest upcoming events, or access content from past events.

Who we are

Read about our history and values.

Themes we work on

Accountability and transparency

We are supporting parliaments to check how governments spend public money and assess the impact of legislation.

Elections

We support electoral integrity, by encouraging reforms that contribute to free and fair elections and organising election observation.

Environmental democracy

Our environmental democracy programmes help bring about the action needed to address climate change.

Inclusion

Our work on inclusion focuses on the political participation and leadership of young people, LGBT+ people, and persons with disabilities.

Openness and participation

We help to open up access to decision-making, from helping parliaments speak to citizens to advising on citizens' assemblies.

Women's political leadership

We support women leaders to fully and equally participate in decision-making, an essential step in bringing about better outcomes for everyone - including women and girls.

Latest

A woman standing talking to another in a car

Story

WFD supports woman MP Inaya Ezzeddine to respond to three basic aspects of Lebanon’s crises

Dr Inaya Ezzeddine, a Lebanese MP from the Tyre province in the south, has amassed an impressive record in parliamentary work over the last four years, which has contributed to the country’s resilience and stability. WFD supported MP Ezzeddine to help respond to the Lebanon multi-crisis, in which taxpayers have been hard-pressed to meet basic needs.

Story

A WFD-affiliated coalition helps identify obstacles to the implementation of crucial e-government law in Lebanon

In Lebanon, Law number 81/2018 on E-Transactions and Data Protection has been passed for years, but legal and institutional factors have played a significant role in blocking its implementation. A WFD affiliated network, the Digital Transformation and Governance Network (DTGN), stepped in to identify these blockages, and to carry out the advocacy work needed to overcome them.

Ronald Reagan standing at a podium between Palace of Westminster officials delivering his speech

Commentary

Reagan's Westminster Speech: 40 Years On

On June 8 1982, US President Ronald Reagan addressed UK MPs in the Palace of Westminster, proposing the creation of democracy assistance organisations. On the 40th anniversary of that speech, our Chair Richard Graham MP reflects on what "today's equivalent of Reagan's call to democratic arms" should look like and argues for a "renewed call to action to support democracy."

A group of CSO representatives gathered around a table at a training workshop

Story

Shoring up peace by bringing citizen voices into the new Bangsamoro democracy

With WFD’s assistance, a group of civil society organisations in Bangsamoro have formed a technical working group (TWG) with increasing membership and produced a guide to engaging parliament.

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