Democracy is taking center stage in 2024 as over 60 nations gear up for significant electoral events. The world is watching as millions of citizens participate in shaping the political landscape of their countries through major elections, including in the United States.

Every four years, NDI’s International Leaders Forum (ILF) brings together political leaders from around the globe and across the ideological spectrum, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, to gain insights into the U.S. election campaign and to observe a key component of America’s democratic system: a political party convention. Building on four decades of innovative global engagement, this year’s ILF2024 will once again take place on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention, and this time in Chicago from August 19 - 22. 

Gatherings like ILF2024 are hugely consequential for international cooperation and learning – offering rare opportunities for observation, reflection and meaningful dialogue among a diverse and powerful set of decision-makers. 

NDI Board Chair Tom Daschle

The ILF2024 program will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, and offer perspectives that reflect both major political parties in the U.S. election campaign. Panelists will include current and former officials from all levels of government, policymakers, business leaders, academics, foreign policy leaders, journalists and political experts.

The party convention component of the U.S. democratic process is uniquely American. It is not mentioned in the Constitution and has never been the subject of congressional legislation. Before the 1860s, the convention was a modest affair attended by a few hundred delegates and a lesser number of dedicated spectators. Now both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are high-profile, multi-day programs where candidates and platforms are deliberated on by delegates, witnessed by millions across the country and closely watched around the world.

Our global delegates will engage directly with candidates, party officials, elected officials, analysts, and others to explore the American political system and how voters’ choices this year will shape U.S. government policies over the next four-year term.

NDI President Tamara Wittes  

NDI is firmly committed to the exchange of ideas that can promote learning and better inform democratic action. ILF2024 is an opportunity for our global partners to come together and observe American democracy – using the energy and excitement of the Convention as a backdrop to the critical reflection and dialogue on our shared democratic values. ILF2024 is a non-partisan program taking place alongside the Democratic National Convention that reflects NDI’s global work to support democracy, promote citizen participation and advance open and accountable governance. NDI organizes the ILF to give our global partners a direct experience with an essential aspect of American democracy. ILF2024 participants will explore the role of political parties, the media, voter mobilization, and other dynamics shaping the U.S. campaigns this year as part of the global year of elections. Similarly, the International Republican Institute, NDI’s sister organization, hosted international visitors at the Republican Convention in July.

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.