Political leaders from around the globe and across the spectrum will gather in Chicago this summer to observe the Democratic National Convention

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) announced today that its 2024 International Leaders Forum (ILF2024) is set to convene from August 19-22, 2024 in Chicago, IL on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention. Every four years, NDI’s International Leaders Forum 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. 

"We are thrilled to host these top policy-makers, influential elected leaders, and rising political stars from around the world," said Dr. Tamara Cofman Wittes, NDI President. "As politicians, they all understand that there’s no substitute for seeing retail politics up close and that delivering results for voters means that hard-fought campaigns must be matched by dialogue. Our global delegates will engage directly with candidates, party officials, elected officials, analysts, and others to understand the American political system and how voters’ choices this year will shape US government policies next year. ILF2024 provides a unique platform for meaningful exchanges that can help democratic countries tackle shared challenges."

The ILF2024 program will feature a diverse lineup of speakers offering perspectives that reflect both major political parties in the US 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.

ILF2024 is a non-partisan program taking place alongside the Democratic Party Convention and reflects NDI’s global work to support democracy, promote citizen participation and advance open and accountable governance. ILF2024 helps our global partners engage with and understand American democracy in action. ILF delegates will explore the role of political parties, the media, voter mobilization, and other dynamics shaping the US campaigns this year, part of a global “year of elections.” The International Republican Institute, NDI’s sister organization, is hosting international visitors at the Republican Convention.

For more information about the 2024 International Leaders Forum, visit www.ilf2024.ndi.org.

###

NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.