Democracy Without Borders, or DWB is an international
nongovernmental organization
A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from government. They are typically nonprofit entities, and many of them are active in h ...
established in 2017 with national chapters across the world and a legal seat in Berlin that promotes "global democracy, global governance and global citizenship". The organization advocates "an integrated approach to democracy promotion that spans across all levels, from the local to the global and includes the dimensions of representation and participation." The organization originates in what is now its German chapter which prior to March 2017 operated as Committee for a Democratic UN and was created in 2003.
Goals
DWB's mission statement says that the organisation "strives for a democratic world order in which citizens participate beyond national boundaries in shaping policy that serves their joint long-term interests."
Specifically, it advocates the creation of a
United Nations Parliamentary Assembly
A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) is a proposed addition to the United Nations System that would allow for greater participation and voice for members of parliament. The idea was raised at the founding of the League of Nations in ...
(UNPA), through "democratization and reform of the United Nations and intergovernmental bodies in order to enable them to deal with transnational issues and threats successfully and on a legitimate basis." It seeks to achieve this through a gradual approach, starting first with forming the UNPA as a largely consultative body, before slowly empowering it as public support rises.
Activities
DWB is co-founder and coordinator of the
Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly; the latter has since gained support from over 1,500 members of parliament from around the world. In 2019, a Campaign for a UN World Citizens' Initiative was launched in collaboration with CIVICUS and Democracy International. In 2021, both campaigns were brought under the umbrella of the "We The Peoples" campaign for inclusive global governance that was endorsed by over 200 civil society groups and networks from across the world.
DWB also maintains a blog, which publishes a range of articles relating to global governance and the proliferation of democracy.
DWB is associated member of the
World Federalist Movement
The World Federalist Movement advocates strong democratic institutions adhering to the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity and democracy.
The movement formed in the 1930s and 1940s by citizens groups concerned that the structure of the ne ...
.
National chapters
As of October 2022, DWB has national chapters in Germany, Greece, India, Kenya, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK.
See also
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United Nations Parliamentary Assembly
A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly (UNPA) is a proposed addition to the United Nations System that would allow for greater participation and voice for members of parliament. The idea was raised at the founding of the League of Nations in ...
*
World Federalist Movement
The World Federalist Movement advocates strong democratic institutions adhering to the principles of subsidiarity, solidarity and democracy.
The movement formed in the 1930s and 1940s by citizens groups concerned that the structure of the ne ...
References
External links
Democracy Without Borders
United Nations Parliamentary Assembly
United Nations reform
Non-profit organisations based in Berlin
2017 establishments in Germany
Political advocacy groups in Germany
World federalist movement member organizations
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