The 10 million Roma living in Europe make up the fastest growing ethnic group on the continent and face disproportionate challenges from poverty to violence. Today NDI celebrated the culture and achievements – and highlighted the plight – of these unique European people, commonly called “gypsies,” in honor of the 40th anniversary of International Roma Day.

As Egypt embarks on its journey from autocracy to democracy, Egyptian political party and civil society leaders are finding it helpful to hear from those in other countries who participated in similar transitions in their own countries. Since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in February, NDI has been bringing experts and leaders from Chile, Indonesia, Poland, Romania and Serbia to Cairo to meet with youth leaders, civil society and new political parties about the lessons they learned from their own countries’ experiences.

During his most recent visit to Washington, D.C., Mexican President Felipe Calderon said that Mexico is “undergoing a profound transformation, built on the principles and values of democracy.”  Among these principles and values, he underscored the importance of “an active civil society that not only exercises its rights and freedoms, but also holds the authorities to account.”

As Nigeria prepares for presidential, legislative and governorate elections next month, a new short film, "My Vote Fit Change Naija,” urges Nigerians to vote as a peaceful means for promoting change in their country. The title, in the pidgin language popular throughout the country, means "my vote can change Nigeria."