"Democracy is not a state ‒ it is a constantly evolving process"
This year, Switzerland is chairing the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an intergovernmental organisation with 35 member states that has worked for thirty years to strengthen democratic systems. Adrian Junker, Switzerland's ambassador in Stockholm and the council's acting chairperson, and Patricia Danzi, director general of the SDC, are convinced that this commitment is more important now than ever.
Adrian Junker, Swiss ambassador in Stockholm and chairperson of International IDEA for 2025, talks to Patricia Danzi, director general of the SDC. Ms Danzi will chair International IDEA's extraordinary council meeting on 12 June. © FDFA
International IDEA has been working to support democracy for three decades. Its anniversary comes at a time when democratic systems around the world are under pressure. What does this mean for Switzerland's term as chair of International IDEA's Council of Member States this year?
Adrian Junker (AJ): Switzerland's term comes at a time of growing uncertainty. Democracies are facing polarisation, disinformation and a loss of trust, so the role carries a particularly high level of responsibility. We want to promote exchanges between democracies, strengthen the work of International IDEA and help make democratic systems more resilient.
What are Switzerland's objectives as chair of the council?
AJ: We have three priorities. Firstly, we want to drive forward the implementation of International IDEA's mandate through an active, inclusive chairpersonship. Secondly, we are using the 30th anniversary to enhance International IDEA's visibility and impact. And thirdly, we are working to increase its financial stability, in particular through an increase in member state contributions. Our substantive focus is on the interplay between democracy, inclusion and prosperity, and the key role this plays in sustainable development.
There will be an extraordinary council meeting of International IDEA's 35 member states in Stockholm on 12 June. What are Switzerland's key messages?
AJ: Democracies must maintain their ability to learn and develop. In times of geopolitical tension, there is a particular need for targeted investments in democratic institutions, political education and open dialogue. Democracy is not a state, but an ongoing process that requires commitment, the courage to change and international cooperation. The extraordinary council meeting is also preceded by the Stockholm Conference on Electoral Integrity, where Switzerland will be represented by both the SDC and the Federal Chancellery. This underscores Switzerland's whole-of-government approach, which involves close cooperation by various government agencies, including the Federal Chancellery, the SDC, the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) and the Swiss embassy in Stockholm.
Patricia Danzi, you'll be chairing International IDEA's high-level extraordinary council meeting in Stockholm. What role does democracy promotion play in international cooperation?
Patricia Danzi (PD): Democracy is not a 'nice-to-have' ‒ it's a fundamental prerequisite for peace, sustainable development and social cohesion. Our experience in a range of partner countries has shown that stability and long-term prospects tend to emerge in places with well-functioning democratic institutions.
Can you give any specific examples of how Switzerland is strengthening democracy as part of international cooperation?
PD: In Eastern Europe, Switzerland is supporting a regional dialogue aimed at strengthening the judiciary and improving its ability to communicate decisions in a clear and understandable manner, thereby reinforcing checks and balances. In North Macedonia, the SDC is helping to strengthen parliament by encouraging cross-party dialogue and reinforcing cooperation with civil society. In Cambodia, we are creating new opportunities for young people to get involved through media projects. In Benin, we support communities so that citizens can set their local priorities themselves. And in Ukraine, the SDC is promoting digital participation in democratic processes and transparent administration in often remote communities. These examples show that democracy promotion succeeds when it takes a targeted approach and benefits people on the ground.
Democracy promotion is also part of the Foreign Policy Strategy 2025–28, and the FDFA recently published its own guidelines on the topic. What special expertise does Switzerland have in this area?
AJ: Our strength comes from our own practical experience. Switzerland is a federal, participatory democracy that is grounded in the rule of law and protects minorities. Our international work is shaped by this experience. We focus on long-term processes, dialogue, and institutional development, as well as on independent media and an active civil society. The new guidelines will allow us to raise our profile as well as pool our strengths.
According to the guidelines, democracy promotion must make existing democracies more resilient to geopolitical change. Does this require a change of approach ‒ including at International IDEA?
PD: Yes, our understanding of democracy promotion has evolved. In the past, International IDEA also focused on transition processes. Now more than ever, though, it is about protecting and strengthening existing democracies, especially where they are coming under pressure. This requires more political involvement, prioritisation and equal partnerships ‒ with everyone. Self-reflection and self-criticism are an integral part of this process too. Democracy must constantly evolve, even in established systems, and can never be taken for granted.
What are the risks of democracies losing their resilience?
PD: The expansion of executive power, a dismantling of the principles of the rule of law, and increasing polarisation and violence ‒ in short: an assault on social stability. When democracies lose their ability to reform or fall out of touch with the people, it can create a vacuum. That's why we need more substantive investment in democratic systems ‒ locally, regionally and globally.
From the local to the global and back again: Switzerland adopts the 'lift approach' with In-ternational IDEA
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation whose goal is to support sustainable democratic change worldwide. The Stockholm-based organisation has 35 full members, while two other countries have observer status.
Switzerland has been a member of International IDEA since 2006. The SDC is providing a contribution of CHF 3.5 million for 2023‒26. Switzerland believes that flexible funding such as this is vital in helping International IDEA to fulfil its mandate effectively and independently.
The SDC maintains a close institutional dialogue with International IDEA, working in coordination with the PHRD, the Federal Chancellery and numerous Swiss embassies and missions worldwide. This close internal and external coordination allows Switzerland to implement the 'lift approach' in dialogue with International IDEA. Practical experience gained from working with International IDEA, particularly in programme countries, and insights from local contexts are incorporated into strategic dialogue at international level. In turn, Switzerland also helps incorporate standards and best practices developed with International IDEA into its bilateral cooperation on the ground.
Under the overarching theme of 'The interplay of democracy, inclusion and prosperity', Switzerland is supporting a variety of events and initiatives in its current role as chair of International IDEA's Council of Member States. The aim is to strengthen the organisation's visibility, impact and partnerships in a targeted manner at a time when democratic values are under increasing pressure worldwide.
