NEWSLETTER
Latest news from the Swiss Democracy Foundation
THE LAST WORD FROM THE FEDERAL PRESIDENT
"Democracy delivers!" With these two words, Swiss President Viola Amherd ended her speech at the Third Summit on Democracy in March. She had previously conveyed a clear message: "We want to promote democracy, within Switzerland - and beyond".
This explicit commitment is brand new. Only a few weeks ago, the Federal Council adopted the foreign policy strategy for the years 2024 to 2027, which for the first time includes the promotion of democracy worldwide as a central aspect. The FDFA is currently working on guidelines for its implementation. Since the beginning of 2024, the different aspects of this work have been brought together in the new Democracy Section.
From the point of view of the Swiss Democracy Foundation, this reorientation of official Switzerland comes not a day too early. A quarter of a century ago, in Article 54 of the Federal Constitution, the Swiss people gave Switzerland the mandate to promote democracy internationally. For more than three decades, the Swiss Democracy Foundation and its predecessor organisations have worked as an independent force to protect and strengthen democracy worldwide.
In view of the enormous global challenges, it is now time to join pro-democracy forces around the world. With the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy - to the 13th edition of which you are cordially invited in Bucharest in mid-May - we have made an important contribution to this since 2008. With the "Summit for Democracy" initiated three years ago, governmental organisations have now followed suit. The fact that Swiss President Amherd had the last word among the Heads of State and Government is an obligation - for all of us!
Bruno Kaufmann, Member of the Board
2024 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy
Join the world's largest conference on modern direct democracy! This year's Global Forum will focus on trust and confidence in democracy and institutions, and as a founding partner of the Global Forum, we look forward to welcoming many participants and engaging discussions.
A variety of formats will be used to explore the many tools of modern direct democracy and to share best practices. Selected highlights of the programme include workshops on topics such as youth participation in the EU, a dialogue with an EU Commissioner and panel discussions on topics such as methods of direct democracy at local level or access to information.
We look forward to your registration!
VIEW PROGRAMME AND REGISTER
Youth + Democracy Fund
Do you have a project idea in the field of democracy promotion, political education or political participation?
With our Youth + Democracy Fund, we support committed young people and young adults to implement projects that promote young people's political participation and strengthen democracy: Here you will find an overview of the projects and organisations that have received funding so far, and here you will find the guidelines for submitting your application.
We look forward to your application!
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY
ACTIVITY REPORT 2024
We look back on an eventful 2023 with some highlights. Find out how the SDF actively contributed to strengthening democracy last year, from events and international cooperation to supporting young initiatives - our commitment is diverse and sustainable. The Activity Report provides an overview of the highlights of the past year and more information on our activities.
READ THE ACTIVITY REPORT
SUMMIT FOR DEMOCRACY: NOT WITHOUT CIVIL SOCIETY
Three years ago, US President Joe Biden invited more than one hundred countries to the first World Summit for Democracy. The government initiative has grown into a global alliance in which civil society organisations and the Swiss Democracy Foundation's priority themes such as "Youth + Democracy", "Democracy Education" and "Participation" play an important role, as the final declaration of the 3rd Summit for Democracy in Seoul, Korea, impressively shows.
READ THE FINAL DECLARATION
LATEST ISSUE
SDF Newsletter #19 April 2024
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Issues 2024
SDF Newsletter #18 January 2024
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Issues 2023
SDF Newsletter #17 October 2023
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SDF Newsletter #16 September 2023
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SDF Newsletter #15 July 2023
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SDF Newsletter #14 May 2023
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SDF Newsletter #13 February 2023
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ISSUES 2022
SDF Newsletter #12 December 2022
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SDF Newsletter #11 September 2022
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SDF Newsletter #10 June 2022
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SDF Newsletter #9 March 2022
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iSSUES 2021
SDF Newsletter #8 December 2021
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SDF Newsletter #7 September 2021
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SDF Newsletter #6 July 2021
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SDF Newsletter #5 February 2021
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iSSUES 2020
SDF Newsletter #4 December 2020
SDF Newsletter #3 September 2020
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SDF Newsletter #2 July 2020
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SDF Newsletter #1 January 2020
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