More than half the world’s population is under 30, yet young people remain underrepresented in government and decision-making processes. There is a growing consensus among practitioners and scholars that politically and civically engaged youth are integral to a country’s economic and democratic health. As national governments, international donors, and local advocates increasingly recognize that youth participation is vital to stability and success, a variety of public measures, policy mechanisms and legal reforms aimed at promoting youth engagement have gained traction.

The Youth Leading Debate Program Manual provides guidance for implementing a youth debate program. The manual draws on lessons learned from implementing a debate program for politically active young people in Guatemala, as well as NDI youth debate programs in Jordan and Moldova.

In September 2018, NDI organized a set of 12 focus groups to gauge public attitudes on the performance of the parliament and members of parliament (MPs), views on the recent municipal elections and opinions on upcoming regional, legislative and Presidential elections. The research also explores ideas related to citizen outreach, priority issues for the upcoming legislative year and possible amendments to electoral law and the constitution.  The research marked the Institute's 20th round of focusgroups since the revolution of 2011 and the ninth since 2014 elections.

The UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund in Iraq is funding the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to conduct independent public opinion research across Iraq. The three-year project aims to help the Government of Iraq, civil society and the international community to monitor and understand conditions in Iraq, and to better understand and respond to the needs of citizens as they evolve over the longer term.

Washington, DC, - Today, September 4th, former Ambassador Derek Mitchell takes the helm as the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) new president. Now in its 35th year, the change in leadership comes at an important moment in NDI’s history.

With funding from the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, NDI fielded a national public opinion poll in Iraq from February to April 2018. The results show that Iraqi men and women are refocusing on economic challenges of unemployment and corruption. Iraqis are positive about their future. Sectarianism is losing its public appeal with results showing that most Iraqis are willing to compromise for the unity of the country. However, though security forces enjoy broad public support, trust in governing institutions and structures is at a critical low.