2023-2024 year marked the mid-point of our 2022-2025 strategy implementation.

WFD’s 2022-2025 strategy recognises that we live in a period of increased risk to democratic freedoms around the world, with levels of democracy on a 17-year downward trend. Today, most of the world’s people live in autocracies - either where democracy is entirely absent, or where democratic institutions and processes have been hollowed out, so they do not deliver democratic practices or freedoms. Furthermore, the global context is more competitive, and Russia’s continued aggression and invasion of Ukraine shows the risks are significant. Many of the major challenges to our national security – such as conflict, public health emergencies, and organised crime – are rooted in or exacerbated by autocratic regimes or weak democracies. 

FCDO’s international development white paper, published during the reporting period, acknowledged WFD’s work in strengthening democratic systems and the critical need for democratic resilience against rising autocracy. The white paper outlined the importance of partnerships for systemic change, mirroring our approach to strengthening democracy through collaboration. The paper recognised the importance of addressing public finance, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity and rights for marginalised groups – all areas in which we are making an impact. The focus on conflict prevention, digital security, and evidence-based policy-making correlates with our strategic objectives. The paper also recognised WFD's role in the UK's international development strategy, promising an increase in grant in aid to expand our work to support fairer, more inclusive, and accountable democratic systems around the world.

WFD’s strategy, approved by ministers, positions WFD to play a leading role in UK efforts to support freedom and democracy within a changing international order. During FY 2023-2024, we made strong progress against each of our strategic goals:

1. Deliver impactful programmes and policy support
2. Convene supportive coalitions for democracy
3. Reinforce our outstanding organisation

This year, over four billion people – more than half of the global population – will have the opportunity to vote in elections. However, simply organising an election does not guarantee a true democracy. Belarus, Russia, and Iran have already held elections this year that were neither free nor fair, creating a false sense of legitimacy to what are autocratic governments. 

That is why Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) plays such an instrumental role in championing the principles of free, fair, and inclusive elections and in helping to shape a world where democracy can flourish. 

It is for this reason that I was so pleased to host WFD’s Garden of Democracy exhibition in the House of Commons last autumn. It was an eye-catching reminder to all that if we strengthen democracy, we reinforce the power to push back against authoritarianism and solve the problems that matter to people across the world. 

At the G7 Speakers' meeting in Japan, I urged my counterparts to continue our steadfast support for Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression. Our solidarity with Ukraine – demonstrated by the joint statement that was signed by all Speakers of G7 legislatures and the President of the EU – is a testament to our shared commitment to uphold democratic values and principles.

Our discussions also emphasised the need for global cooperation in addressing disinformation and enhancing energy security amid the crisis exacerbated by the conflict, which WFD seeks to address through its programmes around the world. 

I extend my thanks to the Members of both Houses of Parliament who have contributed their time, expertise, and experience to WFD’s programmes. 

WFD’s work demonstrates a profound commitment to fostering democracy's growth and resilience, and I am proud to be its Patron.