In Georgia, NDI partners with USAID to support civil society organizations’ (CSOs) citizen-driven advocacy campaigns. Partners identify pressing concerns in their communities, build public support around these issues and advocate to local, regional, and national authorities for their resolution. Between October 2019 and May 2020, NDI supported campaigns in the municipalities of Ozurgeti, Marneuli, and Telavi.

When a state of emergency was announced in Kyrgyzstan in March, youth organizers were leading projects to help address some of the local infrastructure issues affecting their communities, such as parks that had fallen into disrepair or poor street lighting. With COVID-19 forcing everyone to remain home, six student organizers from the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek took action to ensure momentum was not lost. With support from NDI, these activists seamlessly pivoted their organizing efforts into the online space. 

Authoritarian actors threaten to undermine democratic ideals around the world. That’s why this month, NDI featured a conversation among incredible leaders  to discuss Disinformation, Cybersecurity,  and Defending Digital Democracy as part of the International Leaders Forum held on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention (and this year held virtually.)

In a wide ranging discussion, one common theme emerged. We know what works: the strongest counter to disinformation is good governance and trust in institutions. 

Local governments are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis globally, not only in managing the public health response, but also with regard to educating and communicating with citizens. Officials are continuing to develop and implement measures to address complex citizen needs today, while also looking ahead to prepare their communities for the new realities of a post-COVID world. Concurrent with the pandemic are challenges such as disinformation, citizen skepticism, and the need for greater transparency and accountability across all functions of government.