Strategy 2012 - 2017This Strategy sets the direction for International IDEA for the six years 2012–17. The accompanying three-year programme and budget 2012–14 operationalizes the Strategy. In line with the outcome of the mid-term review of the Strategy, which will be conducted in 2014, a further three-year programme and budget will be developed for 2015–17. International IDEA seeks to achieve its goal of supporting sustainable democracy worldwide by pursuing two main institutional objectives: >> stronger democratic institutions and processes; and more sustainable, effective and legitimate democracy. International IDEA will contribute to the fulfilment of these objectives through three expected institutional outcomes of its work, which are: >> increased capacity, legitimacy and credibility of democracy; more inclusive participation and accountable representation; and more effective and legitimate democracy cooperation.International IDEA will respond to the changed context for democracy cooperation and the lessons learned from the previous strategy cycle by adapting and sharpening its approaches within its areas of specialized knowledge, experience and capacity: >> Electoral processes; Constitution building; Political participation and representation processes; and Democracy and development. International IDEA will also mainstream three cross-cutting areas: >> Gender; Diversity; and Conflict and security. International IDEA’s approach over the next strategy period will be characterized by the following: International IDEA will focus on the citizen as a driver of change and will seek to better understand and incorporate people-driven processes into the design of its programmes. Building on a collaborative approach to all its work, International IDEA will work in a spirit of peer dialogue, in which everyone has experiences and knowledge to share. It will systematically nurture an open and pluralistic understanding of democracy, which is respectful of the national context, and encourage a non-prescriptive and non-intrusive approach that is aligned with the priorities set by national actors. International IDEA will adopt this new approach as it expands its activities to new countries and regions and cooperates with new partners. It shall advocate this approach within the broader development and democracy communities; among political decision makers at the country, regional and global levels; and among its own Member States. International IDEA will make its comparative experiences available to actors across the political and institutional spectrum in order to facilitate inclusive processes in which political will for change can emerge. In its work, International IDEA will capture diverse experiences of democracy from around the globe and assess their potential relevance across regions and countries to incorporate them into the expanding body of comparative knowledge on democracy. International IDEA will seek to address the challenges presented by trends that may adversely impact upon and threaten democracy. The Institute will strive to better understand and capture in its work how economic dynamics and technological change affect democracy. International IDEA will improve the design and implementation of its democracy support programmes in the broader context of development, peace building and state building.International Institute for Democracy and Electoral AssistanceIIDEA_3863074a-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e8The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization with a mission to support sustainable democracy worldwide. International IDEA is the only global intergovernmental organization with the sole mandate of supporting democracy.International IDEA’s vision is to be the primary global actor in sharing comparative knowledge and experience in support of democracy. In particular, International IDEA: * strives to be a trusted partner for those who lead democratic change at the country level; * aims to make global comparative knowledge and experience available to inspire national dialogue and catalyse political will; * seeks to convene political dialogue on democratic change at the request of national actors; * endeavours to be a leader in international advocacy on democracy issues; and * aspires to support national actors in their achievement of the full participation and representation of women and men in politics._38630a6a-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e8To support sustainable democracy worldwide._38630ba0-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e8DemocracyDemocracy is a universal human aspiration and an experience that is pursued and lived in different ways around the world. Democracy comes in multiple forms, and these forms are in constant evolution. There is no single and universally applicable model of democracy, and there is no end point in improving democracy.Political EqualityDemocracy is a system in which the government is controlled by the people and in which citizens are considered equals in the exercise of that control. Beyond the basic tenets of citizens’ choice and citizens’ political equality, the critical choices are best made, and the quality of democracy best gauged, by those directly concerned: the citizens themselves. Therefore, the key leaders in democratic change are a country’s citizens, and the starting point for reform is at the local and national level.CollaborationInternational IDEA’s work is characterized by a non-prescriptive and collaborative approach to democracy cooperation.Political ParticipationInternational IDEA will strive to ensure that democratic outcomes are consistent with: * full and equal political participation and representation of women and men; * inclusiveness with regard to the many expressions of diversity in society; and * minimizing conflict and consolidating peace and security.InclusivenessPeaceSecurityComparative KnowledgeDevelop, share and enable the use of comparative knowledge_38630c7c-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81International IDEA’s knowledge sharing will continue to focus on making global comparative knowledge and experience available to national, regional and international actors engaged in reform processes at the country level.Knowledge DiversityDiversify our sources of knowledge and engage more civil society and regional partners._38630d6c-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.1In this strategy period, International IDEA will endeavour to diversify its sources of knowledge and will engage more civil society and regional partners in knowledge gathering and dissemination. InternationalPractical ApplicationsProvide greater support for the practical application of knowledge in reform processes._38630e66-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.2IDEA will also work to provide greater support for the practical application of knowledge in reform processes in a policy-relevant manner, including in the development of its training tools.PrioritiesFocus on electoral processes, constitution-building processes, political participation and representation, and democracy and development._38630f56-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.3International IDEA’s knowledge sharing will continue to focus on electoral processes, constitution-building processes, political participation and representation, and democracy and development. Gender equality will be a key priority across these areas.Demographic ChangeAddress questions related to demographic change._3863105a-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.4In building its comparative knowledge, International IDEA will seek to address questions related to demographic change, for example youth participation in politics and the ageing of many societies, which may have repercussions for democracy.Political Elites & Social GroupsFocus on the emergence of new political elites and the participation of important social groups._3863114a-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.5Political ElitesSocial GroupsIt will also focus on the emergence of new political elites and the participation of important social groups — particularly those who are increasingly affected by discrimination and exclusion, such as minorities, migrants and indigenous populations.Technology and New MediaAnalyze the implications of technological change and new forms of media for democracy._3863124e-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.6International IDEA recognizes that technological change and new forms of media have created new mechanisms for communication that have implications for democracy and the freedom of expression in many countries. It will incorporate analysis of these trends, and their implications for democracy, into its work.Southern HemisphereCapture innovative democracy experiences that originate in the global South._386313a2-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.7Southern HemisphereInternational IDEA will strive to better capture innovative democracy experiences that originate in the global South and their potential broader relevance for democracy building, for example, transitions brought about by popular uprisings, and the challenges and experiences in moving from such transitional moments towards longer-term and inclusive processes of institutional transformation.Analysis and EngagementEnhance our analytical capacity and engage more proactively with representatives of popular movements at the country and local levels._386314c4-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.8In order to better understand these people driven democratic processes and integrate them into the planning and implementation of its knowledge sharing and other activities, International IDEA will enhance its analytical capacity and engage more proactively with representatives of popular movements at the country and local levels.Undemocratic RegimesExplore the challenges to democratization posed by undemocratic regimes._386315e6-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.9In its development of comparative knowledge, International IDEA will explore the challenges to democratization posed by undemocratic regimes.ResearchSupport and conduct research in areas that are highly relevant for policymaking or reform processes._38631730-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.10It will also support and conduct research in areas that are highly relevant for policymaking or reform processes, and provide decision makers with accurate information on existing options and their likely implications.PublicationsProduce more practical and issue-specific publications._3863185c-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.11In order to make its comparative knowledge more accessible and relevant for decision makers and policy practitioners, International IDEA will seek to produce more practical and issue-specific publications, especially in national and regional contexts.Global South PublicationsProduce more publications in cooperation with research institutes and publishers from the global South._3863199c-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e81.12Research Institutes from the Global SouthPublishers from the Global SouthIt will also strive to produce more publications in cooperation with research institutes and publishers from the global South, and in this context use diverse media more extensively and effectively.DialogueFacilitate dialogue to support democratic change_38631af0-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82International IDEA’s efforts to support democratic change will build on its convening potential and focus on facilitating dialogue at the international, expert and country levels. At the international level, International IDEA will engage in multilateral forums and initiatives in order to [accomplish the following objectives]:Understanding & SynergiesBuild global understanding and synergies on key democracy issues_38631c44-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.1International CooperationStrengthen the scope and effectiveness of international cooperation on democracy_38631d98-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.2Regional PartnershipsStrengthen partnerships with regional organizations in developing and implementing democracy instruments and sharing democracy-building experiences within and between regions_38631f14-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.3Emerging IssuesSignal new or emerging issues in democracy building_3863207c-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.4Peace & State BuildingEnhance the focus on democracy within the broader international agenda, particularly peace building and state building_386321e4-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.5Expert DialoguesConvene dialogues of experts_38632374-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.6At the expert level, International IDEA’s shall convene dialogues in order to [accomplish the following objectives]:PoliciesImprove the design and implementation of policies in support of democracy_386324e6-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.6.1Instruments and ToolsTest and pilot the instruments and tools of such new policies_38632662-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.6.2KnowledgeMake existing knowledge more widely available and ensure that it is effectively used_386327fc-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e82.6.3PartnershipsPartner in reform efforts at the country level_38632982-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83Government BodiesParliament BodiesConstitutional BodiesElectoral BodiesAt the country level, International IDEA will engage upon the request of government, parliament or constitutional/electoral bodies. International IDEA’s role as convenor and facilitator of dialogue at the country level will [pursue the following objectives]:Consensus & Political WillSeek to generate consensus and political will for democratic reform_38632b12-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.1Policy OptionsMake knowledge-based policy options available to actors in national reform processes_38632cca-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.2State of Democracy Assessment FrameworkBe grounded in International IDEA’s non-prescriptive approach and use International IDEA’s State of Democracy Assessment Framework and methodology as a baseline_38632ee6-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.3Inclusiveness, Gender Equity & DevelopmentHelp make democratic processes and institutions more inclusive, gender-equitable and supportive of development_386330e4-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.4Cooperation FrameworksPrivilege cooperation frameworks that engage not only governments but also broad national constituencies, including parliaments, political parties and key civil society actors_386332b0-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.5GovernmentsParliamentsPolitical PartiesCivil Society ActorsLegitmacyEnsure that work carried out at the request of governments does not legitimize undemocratic decisions or practices_3863345e-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e83.6Gender EqualityFull and equal political participation and representation of women and men_38633616-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e84Democratic reforms will remain partial and flawed if they continue to exclude or marginalize women, both as protagonists and as beneficiaries of change. While there have been some improvements in the participation of women in political life, the changes have been seriously inadequate.Empowerment of WomenDeepen our emphasis on women’s empowerment and gender equality_38633800-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e84.1WomenInternational IDEA shall endeavour to deepen its emphasis on women’s empowerment and gender equality in all its work streams and areas of impact. It will go beyond the purely quantitative aspects of gender-based inequality to promote positive change in the form of a more equal influence and impact of women and men in politics. International IDEA’s work in this area remains anchored in global agreements and frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, the third Millennium Development Goal and UN Security Council Resolution 1325.DiversityManaging diversity in a democratic framework_386339d6-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e85In today’s globalized world, inclusiveness and meaningful participation in decision making as key features of democracy will be impossible to achieve without an intense focus on the multiple aspects of diversity (ethnic, cultural, linguistic, religious, etc.) and participatory governance.Knowledgebuilding, Experience-Sharing & Policy-InfluencingMake sure that our knowledgebuilding, experience-sharing and policy-influencing activities involve and benefit all concerned identities and social groups_38633ba2-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e85.1Social GroupsInternational IDEA will use these lenses to make sure that its knowledgebuilding, experience-sharing and policy-influencing activities involve and benefit all concerned identities and social groups without any discrimination or bias.Democracy, Conflict & SecurityMainstream peace and security in all of our programmes_38633daa-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e86Acknowledging that democracy can prosper and be sustainable only in an environment of peace and security, International IDEA will mainstream this dimension in all its programmes.Peace & SecuritySeek to peace and security mutually supportive_38633f94-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e86.1Countries in Transition to DemocracyParticularly in those countries where democratic transition is taking place in conjunction with a peace-building process, it will seek to help make the two processes mutually supportive.Organized Crime NetworksEnhance the focus on the regional impact of organized crime networks on political processes_3863417e-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e86.2The persistence of unresolved internal conflict, the incursion of transnational organized crime into states and the illicit funding of politics all erode the consolidation of democratic practices and institutions. International IDEA will strive to enhance the focus on the regional impact of organized crime networks on political processes, with national, regional and global actors, through informed case studies, policy dialogues and targeted in-country programming.Non-Democratic & Hybrid RegimesEngagement with non-democratic and hybrid regimes_386343a4-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e87Non-Democratic RegimesHybrid RegimesPrinciples for EngagementDevelop principles for engaging with non-democratic and hybrid regimes_386345a2-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e87.1Non-Democratic RegimesHybrid RegimesInternational IDEA shall develop principles for engaging with non-democratic and hybrid regimes that are based on a nuanced understanding of the dynamics that characterize such regimes. It will monitor political trends and gather and share evidence to illustrate the mutually reinforcing nature of democracy and development.Areas of Expertise_386347b4-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e88International IDEA’s key areas of specialized expertise during the period 2012–17 will remain: electoral processes, constitution-building processes, political participation and representation processes, and democracy and development. The emphasis on these areas is based on their demonstrated high relevance for the strengthening of democracy worldwide, and takes into account International IDEA’s accumulated knowledge and expertise.Electoral ProcessesProvide support to national electoral bodies and in the design and promotion of innovative approaches and policies in the field of elections_386349f8-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e88.1National Electoral BodiesFree, fair and credible electoral processes are at the very core of democratic aspirations and of the institutional architecture of democracy. They translate into practice one of the basic tenets of democracy: the right of citizens to freely choose who will govern the country and to hold those people accountable for their deeds. International IDEA is acknowledged as a leading world institution in the development of comparative knowledge on elections, in providing support to national electoral bodies and in the design and promotion of innovative approaches and policies within international cooperation in the field of elections. In light of the continuing global demand for capacity and comparative knowledge on elections, and the need to protect the integrity and credibility of electoral processes at the national, regional and global levels, International IDEA shall [pursue the following objectives]:Knowledge Adoption & UseContinue to develop cutting-edge comparative knowledge on electoral processes, to share that knowledge globally, and to facilitate its adaptation and use at the country level wherever a demand for such knowledge exists_38634c1e-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e88.1.1Capacities & IndependenceSupport the strengthening of capacities and the independence of national and regional actors involved in the organization, management and support of electoral processes_38634e4e-ecbb-11e1-a2e8-f74e872741e88.1.2Actors Involved in Electoral ProcessesApproaches and PoliciesFoster the adoption by these actors of approaches and policies geared towards enhancing the fairness, effectiveness, credibility and sustainability of electoral processes such as, in particular, the electoral cycle approach_e5df30b0-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e88.1.3Actors Involved in Electoral ProcessesConsensus and Political CommitmentLead international efforts to build consensus and political commitment to elevate the importance of electoral processes on the international agenda and to strengthen and protect the integrity of electoral processes_e5df3588-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e88.1.4Constitution-Building Processes[Be recognized as] a trusted provider of comparative knowledge and options for constitution building and reform_e5df37e0-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e89A constitution establishes how a society wishes to be governed. However, a constitution does not in itself ensure that democracy is supported, although it can be designed to do so. The process of developing a new constitution is just as important as the content, particularly in a post-conflict country. In the aftermath of the people-led uprisings in the Arab world, constitution-building processes are set to play a fundamental role in embedding calls for participatory and inclusive democracy in legitimate and representative constitutions. Globally, constitution-building processes remain vital, both for democracy and for the rule of law. Demand for constitution-building knowledge, resources and support is therefore likely to increase during the 2012–17 strategy period. International IDEA is emerging as a trusted provider of comparative knowledge and options for constitution building and reform, in terms of both content and process, and has successfully facilitated in-country political dialogue among stakeholders on critical constitutional issues. IDEA’s constitutionbuilding work will have the twin aims of increased national capacity for inclusive constitution building and more effective constitution building within international and regional democracy assistance. During this strategy period, International IDEA shall endeavour to do the following:Constitution-Building and Reform ProcessesIncrease our support of inclusive constitution-building and reform processes in countries, at their request._e5df39f2-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e89.1International IDEA shall stand ready to convene political dialogues among national actors across the political spectrum and to prepare and suggest options based on its comparative knowledge. It will also coordinate and facilitate the involvement of experts and policy practitioners with constitutional reform experience from other countries.Constitution BuildingExpand and fine-tune our comparative knowledge tools in the field of constitution building, drawing in particular on the emerging constitution-building experiences in the global South._e5df3c22-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e89.2In doing so, International IDEA shall seek to increase the utility and accessibility of its knowledge tools to targeted users in countries undergoing constitution-building or reform processes.Constitutional ReformSupport the development of national capacities in the field of constitutional reform, including the creation of a national constitutional culture which focuses on the citizen._e5df3e34-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e89.3Strategic & Institutional ApproachesFoster the adoption of more effective strategic and institutional approaches to constitution building among international and regional actors._e5df403c-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e89.4Political Participation & Representation ProcessesExpand our work on political participation and representation._e5df428a-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810Political PartiesParliamentsLocal Governance BodiesThe state of democracy in a particular country is often linked to its institutions of political participation and representation -- namely political parties, parliaments and local governance bodies.Political PartiesImprove the credibility, effectiveness and delivery capacity of the institutions of participation and representation, in particular political parties._e5df4492-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.1Political PartiesInstitutions of ParticipationInstitutions of RepresentationAlthough they play a critical role in electoral democracies, political parties are also often regarded as the weakest link of democracy. In the 2012–17 strategy period, the Institute will expand its work on political participation and representation. International IDEA shall focus on improving the credibility, effectiveness and delivery capacity of the institutions of participation and representation, in particular political parties.Political ParticipationIncorporate new or emerging forms of political participation and representation in our work._e5df46a4-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.2It shall also seek to understand and incorporate new or emerging forms of political participation and representation in its work.Inclusiveness & AccountabilityEnhance the capacity of political parties and elected bodies to be responsible for inclusive participation and accountable representation._e5df4924-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.3Political PartiesElected BodiesIn doing so, the Institute shall facilitate multiparty dialogue as a way of generating political will for reform.Practical ApplicationsSupport the practical application of knowledge, drawing on the diversity of the democratic experience of many countries, taking into account innovative or customary mechanisms of participation and representation (particularly those generated in the global South)._e5df4b90-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.4The Global SouthAccountability & Sustainable DevelopmentEngage with domestic actors across the political spectrum to improve the political cycle of accountability through proposals for reform aimed at making national politics work more effectively to: foster sustainable development_e5df4db6-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.5Political ActorsInclusivenessAdvance inclusiveness_e5df500e-ecc0-11e1-8c85-fa90872741e810.6Empwerment of WomenEmpower women in political processes_8e060376-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e810.7WomenAccountabilityReinforce the mechanisms and processes of accountability to citizens_8e060880-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e810.8Domestic Democratic AccountabilityStrengthen the focus on domestic democratic accountability (including the fight against corruption) within international development and democracy support mechanisms_8e060b8c-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e810.9Analysis & AssessmentEngage with domestic actors in order to improve their capacity to analyse and assess democratic trends in their countries and influence agendas for democratic reform._8e060de4-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e810.10Domestic ActorsPolitical Party AssistanceConvene and facilitate dialogues among practitioners, policymakers and political party actors to support effective, high-quality political party assistance._8e06108c-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e810.11PractitionersPolicymakersPolitical Party ActorsDemocracy and DevelopmentBuilding on our comparative advantage as a non-development actor with a primary focus on the national political processes that are so essential for development_8e0612ee-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e811The relationship between democracy and development is frequently mentioned as one of the most important challenges facing the world today. The lack of economic and social gains from democratic transitions is a core concern in many regions. At the same time, economic development processes and external drivers sometimes undermine or bypass democratic actors, weakening them even further. Democracy, while a value in itself, also draws its sustainability and strength from its capacity to meet citizens’ expectations that it will deliver socially inclusive and sustainable development. The democracy–development nexus is thus a core challenge for International IDEA to address by building on its comparative advantage as a non-development actor with a primary focus on the national political processes that are so essential for development. In the new strategy period, International IDEA shall focus on the following areas:Political Design for Development:Support political reforms aimed at creating democratic political systems that facilitate sustainable economic growth and social development._8e061546-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e811.1International IDEA will support political reforms aimed at creating democratic political systems that facilitate sustainable economic growth and social development. At the global level, this focus area will promote analysis of the factors within democratic systems that underpin success stories as well as democratic delivery failures. At the national level, this area will support analysis, dialogue and reform to provide incentives for effective development policies.Representation that MattersHelp parties and parliaments become more effective in shaping development policy._8e061820-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e811.2Political PartiesElected Representatives in ParliamentsInternational IDEA will help parties and parliaments become more effective in shaping development policy. Political parties -- and their elected representatives in parliaments -- are critical linchpins in producing and overseeing development policy. In many countries, making the transition from clientilistic/personality-based to programmatic parties is the key to achieving a representation that can produce development outcomes.External DriversPromote awareness, dialogue and capacity about how external drivers can bolster democratic processes and institutions._8e061a8c-ecc2-11e1-9be5-8072872741e811.3Private SectorInternational Aid DonorsExternal drivers and their impact on democracy: external factors can significantly influence, in a positive or negative way, democracy at the country level. In this area, International IDEA shall promote awareness, dialogue and capacity about how external drivers—the role of the private sector, international aid and international security considerations—can bolster democratic processes and institutions.Organizational ImplicationsExpand the Institute’s membership, strengthen our network of partner organizations, and redistribute work and resources within the Institute._64b4c8c0-ecc4-11e1-91e2-4057872741e812IDEA PartnersIDEA MembersInternational IDEA’s new Strategy entails pursuing a further balanced and sustainable expansion of the Institute’s membership, a strengthening of its network of partner organizations and a new distribution of work and resources within the Institute.Member StatesPursue a balanced and sustainable growth of our membership._64b4ce6a-ecc4-11e1-91e2-4057872741e812.1IDEA Member StatesInternational IDEA will pursue a balanced and sustainable growth of its membership, commensurate with its status as a global intergovernmental organization and its mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide. It will seek, in particular, to expand its membership in currently under-represented regions and to ensure a regional balance. Potential membership growth will be pursued in line with the criteria already set out in Article IV of International IDEA’s Statutes.PartnersStrengthen our network of partners based on shared values, principles and goals._64b4d18a-ecc4-11e1-91e2-4057872741e812.2IDEA PartnersIn addition to its own institutional strengths, International IDEA’s strong track record is also built on its capacity to cooperate closely with other national, regional and local partners. Supporting sustainable democracy requires long-term partnerships at all levels. International IDEA will seek to further strengthen its network of partners based on shared values, principles and goals, through thematic and methodological synergies. National, regional and global partnerships will be nurtured and further expanded with strategic, operational and geographic partners.Patnership MappingEngage in a more systematic mapping of partners across our areas of work._64b4d43c-ecc4-11e1-91e2-4057872741e812.2.1During the strategy period, International IDEA will engage in a more systematic mapping of partners across its areas of work. Non-Member Partner CountriesFacilitate dialogue with non-member partner countries._64b4d73e-ecc4-11e1-91e2-4057872741e812.2.2It will facilitate ongoing dialogue with non-member partner countries.Regional and Country FocusStrengthen our focus on the country level._9b1058ec-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813Latin America The CaribbeanAfrica AsiaThe PacificWestern AsiaNorth AfricaEuropeNorth AmericaIn line with the recognition that democracy’s key actors are citizens and their representatives, International IDEA shall strengthen its focus on the country level. It will do so by engaging more closely with governments and other national and civil society actors across the political spectrum, and by making its knowledge production and its policy-influencing initiatives directly relevant and accessible to users at the country level. Regional organizations and institutions have had an increasing role in supporting democracy through the development of regional normative instruments, as well as direct pro-democracy involvement in their respective regions. International IDEA will therefore strengthen its engagement with these organizations through dialogue initiatives, knowledge sharing and capacity building. International IDEA will maintain, and further develop, regional programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Western Asia and North Africa (WANA). International IDEA will incorporate Europe and North America into its global comparative knowledge sharing as well as its analysis of global trends and challenges. The establishment and consolidation of International IDEA’s regional programme for the WANA region will have particular priority as the next strategy period commences. The implementation of this Strategy will require strengthening the capacity of International IDEA’s regional programmes to:Trends & NeedsIdentify national and regional trends and needs_9b10604e-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.1Knowledge SharingEnsure the effective incorporation of such regional trends in International IDEA’s global knowledge sharing_9b1063b4-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.2Democracy-Support ProgrammesDesign the necessary responses to strategize and implement ;democracy-support programmes_9b1066c0-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.3ResourcesMobilize and manage resources_9b106a44-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.4Interlocutors, Partners & AdvisorsAct as interlocutors, partners and advisors with national and regional stakeholders _9b106ddc-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.5Democracy CooperationEmphasize democracy cooperation at the regional and inter-regional levels, in line with International IDEA’s ‘peer approach’ to democracy cooperation_9b1070f2-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e813.6Global Level_9b107480-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814At the global level, International IDEA will focus on:Strategic Planning & MonitoringStrategic planning and monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy_9b1077aa-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.1AnalysisAnalysis of global democracy trends and identification of global democracy issues that should be addressed by International IDEA or by the international democracysupport community _9b107aca-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.2International Democracy Support CommunityProgrammesThe design and implementation of programmes_9b107e62-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.3Global Comparative KnowledgeThe consolidation, maintenance and further development of global comparative knowledge in International IDEA’s key areas of specialized expertise _9b1081a0-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.4Regional ProgrammesReinforcement of, and support for, regional programmes_9b1084ca-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.5Quality ControlQuality control of International IDEA’s key global products_9b10884e-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.6Governance & ServiceFacilitating International IDEA’s governance and serving its Member States, Board of Advisors and key global partners_9b108baa-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.7IDEA Member StatesIDEA Board of AdvisorsIDEA PartnersFinancial ManagementGlobal financial management _9b108eca-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.8Funding & ResourcesResource mobilization and securing predictable funding frameworks for the sustainable growth of International IDEA_9b10926c-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e814.9Communications & Advocacy StrategyBuild a communications strategy._9b109604-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e815Given the scale and diversity of its audience, International IDEA shall build a multi-targeted communications strategy that is sensitive to differences with regard to gender, culture, language and means of accessing information. International IDEA will be consistent and coherent in delivering its messages, clearly articulating its own contribution to democracybuilding processes.Commitment to DemocracyBuild and strengthen the commitment to democracy among national, regional and global policymakers and public opinion at large._9b109938-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e815.1National PolicymakersRegional Policymakers Global PolicymakersPolicymakersThe PublicInternational IDEA’s advocacy strategy will focus on building and strengthening the commitment to democracy among national, regional and global policymakers and public opinion at large.Global AdvocacyPrioritize a limited number of issues for global advocacy policy campaigns_9b109cf8-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e815.2International IDEA shall prioritize a limited number of issues for global advocacy policy campaigns on a two- to three-year cycle. International DemocracyPromote and strengthen a new approach to international democracy support that is based on partnership and cooperation_9b10a05e-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e815.3It will also seek to promote and strengthen a new approach to international democracy support that is based on partnership and cooperation rather than the ‘provider–beneficiary’ dichotomy. LinkagesFacilitate linkages across different networks and communities of practitioners and policymakers_9b10a39c-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e815.4Communities of Practitioners PolicymakersIn its communications work, International IDEA will facilitate linkages across different networks and communities of practitioners and policymakers.Programming, Organization & Human Resources_9b10a75c-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816Internalization and implementation of the Strategy from the perspective of programming, organization and human resources -- The internalization and implementation of this Strategy requires the following measures to be undertaken:Resource ShiftA real and relative shift of resources from International IDEA’s headquarters in Stockholm to its regional offices_9b10aad6-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.1Analytical Capacity & Support FunctionsBuilding up analytical capacity and support functions, such as human resources and planning/reporting, in regional offices_9b10ae28-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.2IDEA Regional OfficesSpecialized ExpertisePlacing in regional offices expertise in IDEA’s specialized knowledge areas _9b10b206-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.3Staff Development, Mobility & LearningStrengthening staff development, mobility and internal learning across the organization_9b10b594-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.4IDEA StaffRegional Programmes EngagementStronger engagement between Member States and the Secretariat in the Institute’s regional programmes_9b10b8e6-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.5IDEA Member StatesIDEA Secretariat Culture, Synergy & CollaborationFostering an organizational culture that is geared towards achieving synergy and collaboration with all stakeholders, internally and externally_9b10bd1e-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.6Security Procedures & Legal FrameworksDeveloping adequate security procedures and stable legal frameworks for International IDEA’s field presence, based on a satisfactory headquarters agreement_9b10c0ac-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.7 ICT, Information & Knowledge Management & CommunicationsUpdating organizational infrastructure in ICT, information and knowledge management and internal communications_9b10c408-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.8Management System & Organizational StructureMaintaining a results-based, effective and efficient management system and organizational structure_9b10c7fa-eccb-11e1-9d30-1c93872741e816.92012-08-22http://idea.int/about/secretary-general/upload/idea-strategy-2012-2017.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net