The International Association for Democracy is an NGO that works to promote greater public understanding of democracy, democratic institutions and the challenges they face around the world. Our actions are guided by promoting and advancing democracy with respect for the culture, history and development of the state itself. We do not seek to impose a specific vision of democracy or a particular partisan vision, but rather to promote democratic values that will allow the peoples of different nations and cultures to chart their own destinies.
Our work focuses primarily on education, awareness and constructive engagement. We aim to provide the public with accessible information about democratic systems and the issues that affect their resilience, while engaging policymakers and other stakeholders on practical measures to strengthen democratic institutions at home and abroad. Among the issues we are particularly interested in are election security, democratic accountability, the rule of law and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
IAD was founded by a group of individuals from across Europe who shared a concern about the challenges facing democracy around the world, as well as a desire to contribute to a better-informed public discussion about them. We are a registered Scottish charity that operates on a principle of transparency. Overviews of our yearly activities and finances submitted to OSCR can be found here.
IAD’s Founders
Valeria Borta
Oliver St. John
Oliver and Valeria founded the International Association for Democracy (IAD) in February 2022, motivated by a deep concern over the growing threats to democracy worldwide. From February 2022 to November 2024, Valeria and Oliver served as Co-Directors of IAD. Under their leadership, IAD grew to include 50 active volunteers, achieved incorporation as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), and established a strong organisational structure with professionalised teams. They oversaw the launch of impactful public awareness and lobbying campaigns, the growth of IAD’s social media following, and made significant strides in advancing the organisation’s mission to defend and promote democracy.