Why our work matters
At NIMD, we believe in a better future; a peaceful and prosperous future, where people can thrive. And we believe this future relies on responsive and inclusive democracy.
Building thriving societies
Democracy – in its many forms across the world – is the only governance system founded on the equality of every individual; and the only system capable of serving the interests of society as a whole in a fair way.
In democracies, the quality of governance improves as the powerful are held to account by the checks and balances of strong institutions, and a free and independent media. Democracy carries the promise that every individual can live with dignity.
Greater Happinness
Indeed, through all our work, we see how democracy offers the best chance for people to enjoy personal freedoms, achieve their aspirations, and contribute to a thriving society.
Studies have shown that a person living in a democracy is likely have a higher life expectancy, greater happiness and increased life satisfaction.
More stable societies
And democracies also foster a more stable society. By promoting inclusiveness, and by ensuring that the voices of all groups are heard, democracies can facilitate peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. What’s more, when we aim to resolve conflict through dialogue rather than violence, we can provide all citizenscitizens with a platform to express their opinions and ideas. This helps to prevent marginalization and social unrest.
But this reality is a long way off. Today, the very foundations of democracy are under threat. The average global democracy score has recently fallen to its lowest level in nearly 20 years, with less than 8% of the world’s population living in a full democracy.
This decline is not just a statistic; it represents a dangerous trend where the principles that support peaceful and prosperous societies are eroding. The rise of authoritarianism means that more people are living under regimes that do not respect their rights or voices. As the number of countries moving towards autocracy grows, our NIMD’s work matters more than ever.
Embracing Democratic Values
Of course, the answer goes beyond simply holding elections and instating democratic institutions such as parliament, government and political parties and holding elections. Just because a country is officially a democracy doesn’t mean it i’s free from challenges or conflicts; nor does it mean that every voice will be heard or that all social issues will be solved.
That’s because true democracy is more than a set of systems – it’s about embracing values like responsiveness, inclusiveness, and respect for diverse opinions. It’s when democracies truly uphold these core values that they have the greatest chance of creating a stable and thriving society.
That’s why NIMD works to strengthen democracy. We help political actors to effectively respond to the needs of the population and amplify the voices of all groups. And we work towards a culture of trust and respect within politics.
When all these conditions are in place, that’s when peaceful societies and their people can flourish.
Building a thriving world
So, NIMD’s work matters.It matters for all people in the countries we work in. But it also matters for societies, all around the world.
Because attacks on democracy endanger us all. When democratic principles and institutions are undermined, it fuels division and conflict.
This national instability so often cascades into global instability. Around the world today, rising authoritarianism, the decline of democratic values, climate-driven conflict, and the resurgence of terrorist groups create a complex, interconnected threat landscape.
And this global insecurity damages business interests, disrupts supply chains and intensifies migration pressures.
By tackling these issues at their roots, NIMD aims to prevent the ripple effects that harm societies globally. This is how we strive to pave the way toward a world of peace and inclusion.
Our work is not only necessary, but essential for the prosperity and security of future generations.
Our work matters for the Netherlands
As a small, international and interconnected trading nation, the Netherlands benefits more than most from a collaborative and predictable world. This, however, also means that we are directly hit by the current rise of insecurity worldwide, from conflicts to terrorism and climate change.
So Dutch citizens need stronger democracies worldwide. Because only true democracy – where personal freedoms are respected and all voices are heard – can address the national insecurity that lies at the heart of global challenges. Democracy is what will protect our interests at home and abroad.
Drawing from our Dutch roots and expertise, NIMD works to strengthen democracy in fragile regions. After all, our country has always emphasized the importance of collaboration, consensus and inclusiveness in politics.
We combine these Dutch values with a deep knowledge of the countries we work in. We work together on an equal basis with national experts to develop strategies that truly respond to the needs of each country.
Together, we deliver tangible results. Indeed, from fostering peace processes to enhancing environmental governance, our projects make a real difference in people’s lives.
In Burundi, we are working with political parties to make sure the country has the best chance possible of holding peaceful and representative election. In a country facing major socio-political and economic challenges, we hope these elections will ease political tensions and pave the way to improved well-being.
We do this by working at different levels. First, we work to ensure an effective and inclusive political system. We work with politicians and political institutions to ensure that they have the skills, knowledge and internal structures to truly meet the needs of the people they serve.
Second, we work on shifting mindsets – promoting a culture of trust and respect across political divides. Because, once you break down tensions within politics, that’s when you can ensure stability and peace. Then they can start working together on effective policies for the future of your country.
All in all, our approach is simple: We tackle critical issues at their roots, implement evidence-based interventions, and engage deeply with the communities we work with. That’s how we ensure our work makes a difference, as we strive to pave the way toward a secure world marked by peace, inclusion, justice and sustainability.
In Colombia, we have brought together over 500 diverse young people to co-create a joint declaration aimed at increasing youth participation in the country. This declaration offers lawmakers valuable insight into the needs, demands, and challenges faced by Colombia’s young people. When youth are directly involved in the political process, it helps shape a more open and inclusive political system—one that listens to all voices and fosters inclusiveness over marginalization and polarization.