Annual Report 2025

Steady and persistent steps enable true democratic renewal. In a year of rapid backsliding and global turbulence, we doubled down on steady democratic work: education, participation, dialogue, and civic empowerment.

This year reminded us of a core principle shaping our work: meaningful democratic progress is often achieved through small, steady, and persistent steps. In turbulent times, these steps may appear modest, yet they are the foundation on which resilient and sustainable democracies are built. Only continuous, serious, and long-term democracy work creates real, lasting change.

When autocratic tendencies advance in big, dramatic leaps, it is easy to feel that our own responses, rooted in incremental and careful progress, are not fast enough.

But these small steps are precisely what enable true democratic renewal. They may be slower, but they reach deeper.

Throughout 2025, Democracy International expanded democracy education, enabled people across generations to experience democratic tools firsthand, and deepened its advocacy through more strategic media work. These efforts supported civil society, policymakers, and citizens worldwide.

As we turn toward 2026, we do so with renewed purpose. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our determination. Step by step - and together - we will continue building the democratic future our societies deserve.

read the full annual report here