“Sustainable promotion of democracy with a special emphasis on citizen-oriented, participatory and direct-democratic developments worldwide”.
For a decade, the Swiss Democracy Foundation has been implementing projects and working with partners to protect and further develop democracy, with a particular focus on citizen participation, tolerance towards minorities, and international understanding.
The focus is on building bridges between the comprehensive democratic practices of small Switzerland and the growing demand for democracy promotion in the wider world. The foundation works in accordance with the Swiss Federal Constitution, which has declared the "promotion of democracy worldwide" to be a task for the state and society.
Around the world, we are observing how societies with varying degrees of democracy are dealing with the current global crises. In times of conflict, pandemics, and climate emergency, careful leadership, transparency, and unbiased scientific advice are crucial. Trust between citizens, authorities, and politicians is essential.
This can best be achieved when people are aware of their civil rights and freedoms and can rely on solid social security. Strong democratic societies are better prepared for this, while governments with little trust often resort to authoritarian and populist approaches.
This sets out the most important task of the Swiss Democracy Foundation: we invest in building democratic trust capital.
Would you like to support our work? We rely on your generous support and commitment.
Current Activities
WeLCOME TO THE 2026 GLOBAL FORUM IN GABORONE/BOTSWANA
The 13th Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy will take place from October 7 to 10, 2026 in the Botswana capital of Gaborone. This will make the forum even more global and explore topics such as the democratic use of raw materials and bridging traditional and modern forms of direct democracy.
THE FOUNDATION BOARD ELECTS TWO NEW MEMBERS: ANN-CHRISTINE VOSSBERG-STRAW AND MARCEAU SCHROETER
At its two meetings in fall 2025, the Board of Trustees of the Swiss Democracy Foundation elected two new members to the committee: Ann-Christine Vossberg-Straw (36) from St. Gallen, who holds a doctorate in astronomy, and Marceau Schroeter (39), head of the Geneva Electoral Commission.