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Annual Lecture on the State of Democracy in the World

Annual Lecture on the State of Democracy in the World

WFD and CEDAR's series.

Our Annual Lecture on the State of Democracy in the World shines a light on the human stories that underpin the promise of democracy and the struggle to defend it around the world. Strengthening democracy is a global challenge, and we can learn from the experiences of those working to uphold human rights and strengthen democracy in their countries and communities.

In an era of rising authoritarianism there is a tendency to focus on the role of autocrats and dictators. But every day, people around the world put themselves at risk in service of democracy. Our lecture spotlights democracy defenders and innovators and offers a chance to hear their ideas about the challenges and opportunities for democracy. This can help us identify the way forward to strengthen democracy globally.

The lecture is organised by WFD in partnership with the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR).

Lectures

Group pf people posing while holding a placard

Looking back on three years of partnership and progress

Last year saw the conclusion of phase two of the Global Equality Project, a programme funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and delivered jointly by Kaleidoscope Trust and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). The project focused on fighting discrimination against women and girls, LGBT+ people and other intersectionally disadvantaged groups in a range of countries.

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.

2023's essential democracy content

Here is a selection of stories, analysis, and tools from the past year. Scroll down and you might find some inspiration for your New Year's resolutions.

Reflecting on Human Rights Day 2023

Our message reflecting on the conflicts that are raging as the world marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A group photo of participants at the 2023 democracy action partnerships

Democracy Action Partnership: Driving momentum to end violence against women in politics in Asia

WFD hosted the inaugural Democracy Action Partnership (DAP) in Bali, Indonesia, gathering democratic changemakers in the Asia region to dive into the interrelated forms of violence against women in politics and elections and facilitate responses.