This event marks the publication of the latest research in WFD’s anti-corruption and integrity series, Anti-corruption and gender: the role of women’s political participation. Dr Ortrun Merkle will outline the project, drawing on three important case studies from Ukraine, Kenya and Indonesia.

Although much remains to be explored, the research shows clear linkages that are important to understand for politicians, anti-corruption advocates, and those working on increasing women’s representation in political office.

On 12 November 2021, WFD convened a panel discussion as part of the COP26 public events programme. This event was held in collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI), International IDEA, Climate Action Network (CAN), E3G and the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee (BEIS) of the UK House of Commons.

How do civil society organisations and change-makers use informal platforms to advance equality?

WFD and Kaleidoscope Trust’s programme on equality in the Commonwealth was designed to help foster an environment in which local decision-makers and civil society actors are better able to advance equality and ensure that women and girls, and LGBT+ people are included in politics and society. It worked to help create space and opportunity for enhanced collaboration and engagement between lawmakers and civil society organisations. 

Strong links and relationships between civil society, thought-leaders, and decision-makers make it easier for them to work together for equality. Strengthening these relationships and enabling change-makers to learn from one another was a key aim of the programme.

On 23 March 2021, WFD and Kaleidoscope Trust hosted an event to explore the role that informal political spaces can play in creating change for women, girls and LBGT+ people.

Shannon O’Connell, WFD’s Director of Programmes, facilitated a conversation between:

• Kim Simplis Barrow, Former First Lady of Belize
• Joleen Mataele, Tonga Leitis Association
• The Hon. Frederica Tuita, Princess of Tonga
• Caleb Orozco, United Belize Advocacy Movement
• He-Jin Kim, AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic requires governments to respond to the health emergency and address the subsequent economic shock. Mitigating the effects of the pandemic requires financial resources at a time when the economic activities and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are declining. As governments roll out economic recovery packages and borrow to compensate for the loss of revenues due to the crisis, the public debt in many countries is increasing sharply. The global economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 has pushed some countries closer to the edge and others over the cliff into debt distress.

In some countries, public debt is eating up government financial means and undermining implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If rising debt costs are not addressed (restructured or reduced), new revenues will not give governments the fiscal space they need to strengthen healthcare systems, pursue women’s economic empowerment programs, ensure free public education through secondary school, or adapt infrastructure to mitigate for climate change, for example.

As parliaments have the power to oversee the budgetary measures adopted to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, they also have an urgent duty to scrutinize the increasing public debt. Often, parliaments and MPs have little information at hand on the public debt situation and strategy to tackle that debt. Parliaments should be provided with detailed information on the structure, sources and long-term estimated effects of debts as well as the conditions attached to credits and loans

President-elect Joe Biden has said he will put democracy front and centre of US foreign policy. But after the turbulence of recent years, reversing the global trend towards autocracy will need a strategy and strong alliances. What do we know about his plans?

It is tempting to think that the Biden administration will simply turn back the clock in its foreign policy – re-joining the WHO, re-committing to the Paris Climate Accords, re-starting the Iran agreement, and renewing U.S. support for NATO and the rules-based international system.  But the global context has evolved since Biden was last in the White House and his pledge to host a Summit of Democracies is a clear signal that he sees a decline in democratic values as a threat to US and Western interests. If the Summit is held while the UK is chairing the G7 and COP26 next year, then transatlantic collaboration will be key to its success.

Join us in this live online event as our top guests unpack and explain the key pillars of Biden’s plans to rebuild global democracy and the transatlantic dynamics. Our panellists are either directly engaged in this planning or close observers and can shed light on the key priorities, including human rights, corruption, countering hostile states, and tackling climate change. They can also discuss the mechanics of the transition from the Trump administration and what we can expect over the coming months.

Speakers

• Dr Frances Z. Brown, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Alex Thier, Senior Democracy Fellow, Freedom House
• Anthony Smith, Chief Executive, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (Chair)