NDI’s Board of Directors and global team are deeply saddened by the loss of Former Vice President Walter Mondale, an incomparable public servant and champion of democracy. Along with millions of grateful Americans and countless others around the world, we remember his leadership on civil rights in the U.S. Senate, his remarkable partnership with President Carter which redefined the role of Vice President, and his distinguished diplomatic service as America’s Ambassador to Japan.

 

NDI was incredibly fortunate to benefit from Walter Mondale’s visionary leadership, first as "honorary Chairman" immediately after his run for the presidency in 1984, and then as full Chairman of the Board from 1986 to 1993. Mondale presided over a crucial period of growth and transformation and helped build the organization into what it is today. He was key to establishing NDI's international reputation, speaking at international political party meetings and chairing conferences in Israel, Costa Rica and Botswana. He led a delegation to Argentina at a moment of great tension in that country after a failed coup attempt against the elected President. Perhaps most importantly, he was a friend, mentor, and role model to his fellow board members and the institute’s staff, past and present.

 

We will forever be guided by his abiding commitment to democratic values and human rights, and we will always draw strength from his brilliant example of public service as a way to advance the promise of democracy for all.

 

We send our deepest condolences to the entire Mondale family as we reflect on the vast contributions he made to our organization and the cause of freedom worldwide.