United Nations Democracy Fund Inaugurated

March 6, 2006 marked an important day for the United Nations and members of the international community seeking to promote democracy and freedom around the world. On this day, the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the newest democracy promotion initiative of the UN, initiated its work with an Advisory Board meeting chaired by Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The Fund, originally proposed by President Bush in 2004, was established by Secretary-General Annan in July 2005 and quickly embraced by 141 nations a few months later. It seeks to promote and consolidate new and restored democracies with financial and technical help. The United States, being the first nation to propose such a fund, has demonstrated its commitment to this mission by donating $17.9 million to UNDEF. A number of countries have since followed Washington's lead, including India, which donated $10 million. The total amount amount pledged for the fund is now over $41 million.

The encouraging response by member states and the financial support pledged by more than 17 nations reveals the international community's enthusiasm for democracy promotion initiatives.

UNDEF will make the United Nations more effective when assisting countries in strengthening the rule of law, increasing popular participation, and ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their democratic rights. Additionally, UNDEF will fund projects that support constitution-writing and reviewing processes, encourage civil society participation, and strengthen democratic dialogue. All these are essential components of functioning democracies, and will help countries avoid violent conflict and suppress extremist violence.

The creation of UNDEF shows that the United States can work effectively with other nations to craft tools for the international community that ensure freedom and democracy. It also confirms that nations want to collaborate and embrace initiatives which improve the lives of all citizens, proving that America is not alone in the quest for greater democratic regimes. UNDEF illustrates Secretary-General Annan's assertion that democracy does not belong to any single country or region. The improvement of government administration and the protection of democratic rights are the responsibility of all nations. It requires sharing knowledge, best practices, and financial resources.

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Updated March 10, 2006