About Us

The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) works to promote peaceful, just and inclusive politics worldwide. To that end, we work with the entire political sector in a country, from aspiring politicians to political leaders, and from national to local level.

Currently, we run programmes in more than 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the MENA region and the Eastern European Neighbourhood.

Our approach across all these programmes is unique and characterized by dialogue: we bring actors from across the political spectrum together. We work on their knowledge and competences, and empower them to cooperate in a constructive manner on issues that affect them, their country and the broader region.

Through this work, we support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. This goal is dedicated to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, and building effective institutions at all levels. Achieving this is the key to sustainable development. Governance and politics underlie all of the SDGs, because without accountable and effective political governance, it will be hard to achieve peace, stability and prosperity for all.

NIMD is non-partisan and driven by democratic values.

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Approach

NIMD seeks to make an impact on three levels: political system, actor, and culture. These levels are interrelated. For instance, political parties can only take up their role if the political system and environment allow them to do so. At the same time, democratic systems need political parties and democrats in order to function and provide the stability and conditions needed for development. That is why the actor and culture level are also important.

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PROGRAMMES

We believe that real change can only be realized and sustained through country programmes. Currently, NIMD runs programmes in more than 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the MENA region and the Eastern European Neighbourhood. In the country programmes, we also incorporate international and regional developments because they also impact the socioeconomic development of countries.

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Currently, we run programmes in more than 20 countries in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the MENA region and the Eastern European Neighbourhood.

NIMD is non-partisan and driven by democratic values.

OUR PARTNERS

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NIMD works with local partner organizations or country offices. They have knowledge of the people and the political culture of the country and are perceived as trustworthy by the politicians. This allows them to advise and bring politicians together.

Over the years we have built strong relations with our partners. They are pivotal in our network, linking NIMD’s worldwide expertise and resources to local activities as well as creating impact on the ground.

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Our Principles

NIMD was founded in 2000 by 7 Dutch political parties. This multiparty identity provides us with the legitimacy and unique opportunity to work on an impartial basis with all political parties in a country and encourage dialogue between them. Our work is guided by five principles that reflect both our own multiparty identity and the role we play as an experienced democracy assistance organization.

Our approach is non-partisan. We are not affliated with any specific political denomination and work impartially with all parties across the political spectrum.

We provide a platform for discussion for both ruling and opposition parties. All parties take part in the dialogue on issues of national interest with an equal voice.

We encourage the equal participation and representation of marginalized groups. We empower representatives of these groups to take part in the policy-making process.

We work with our partners on an equal basis. Our programmes are locally set and reflect local demands.

Political transformation, building trust and strengthening political parties takes time. Therefore, we invest in long-lasting relationships with our local partners and political parties.

Impartiality

Our approach is non-partisan. We are not affliated with any specific political denomination and work impartially with all parties across the political spectrum.

Inclusiveness

We provide a platform for discussion for both ruling and opposition parties. All parties take part in the dialogue on issues of national interest with an equal voice.

Diversity

We encourage the equal participation and representation of marginalized groups. We empower representatives of these groups to take part in the policy-making process.

Local ownership

We work with our partners on an equal basis. Our programmes are locally set and reflect local demands.

Long-term commitment

Political transformation, building trust and strengthening political parties takes time. Therefore, we invest in long-lasting relationships with our local partners and political parties.

OUR APPROACH

In every country the political system, the actors and the political culture differ. Therefore, NIMD always starts with an in-depth political analysis of the country and uses that to develop tailor-made activities. Through these activities we seek to bring about change on political system, actor and culture level.

Our goals & strategy