Strengthening democracy around the world

"Dictators unite - so should democracies"
A woman stands at a lectern in front of a microphone, the backs of the audience's heads are in the foreground. She stands next to a sign that says strengthening democracy around the world. The words Inaugural Lecture on the State of Democracy are on a screen next to her.
Revisit Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's lecture on democracy
#DemocracyAction
Women sitting at tables raising their hands
Discover our programme on women's leadership in Southeast Asia
Democratic AI safety
Illustration of people emerging from screens
A democratic approach to global artificial intelligence (AI) safety

Strengthening democracy around the world

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. For more than 30 years we have actively helped democracies to grow stronger, so that freedom and prosperity can flourish. We help solve problems of democracy so that democracies can address challenges that people face around the world – from climate change to corruption.
Discover our strategy

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

The front cover of the white paper displaying the title International development in a contested world: ending extreme poverty and tackling climate change
Commentary
Golden threads: 9 reflections on the white paper on international development
WFD's CEO Anthony Smith picks out nine highlights from the new UK Government white paper on international development, which is a big step forward in the integration of democratic governance into international development policy.
A woman with a microphone stands in front of an audience. Behind her a screen says Bangsamoro Parliament
Story
From arms to elections: A story of democracy in Bangsamoro
The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is guiding the region of the Philippines towards a peaceful and inclusive autonomy. WFD is working to support the democratic aspirations of the BTA.
Beyond data report
Report
Examining lived experience of LGBT + Sri Lankans on housing, education and employment
This study explores the relationship between the discrimination LGBT+ Sri Lankans experience and the protection the state offers through the equality established by law and policy.
""
News
New tool to measure parliaments’ democratic credentials
With this tool, parliaments can evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses against established standards with a view to becoming stronger democratic institutions.
View all the latest activity