United Nations Democracy Fund

• 12 Apr 2023

Why in News?

India is the fourth highest donor to the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), which funds at least 68 projects worldwide linked to George Soros’s Open Society Foundation.

• India has put George Soros’s NGO on watchlist in 2016.

What is UNDEF?

• About:
  • UNDEF was established in 2005 by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world.
    • It was welcomed by the General Assembly in the Outcome Document of the 2005 World Summit.
  • UNDEF plays a unique role in complementing the UN's other work with governments to strengthen democratic governance around the world.
• UNDEF's Mandate and Projects:
  • UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes.
  • The majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations (CSOs).
    • The Advisory Board of the UNDEF offers policy guidance and funding guidelines, considers proposals for funding, and recommends funding proposals for approval by the Secretary-General.
  • UNDEF provides grants ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 300,000.
  • In 15 rounds of funding so far, UNDEF has supported over 880 two-year projects in more than 130 countries.
• India's Support for UNDEF:
  • India has contributed over USD 32 million since its inception (2005).
    • Top three donors are US, Sweden, and Germany.
  • In 2022, when India contributed USD 150,000 to the fund, it was the fourth highest among 45 donors, after
  • India has consistently supported UNDEF’s mission of promoting democratic governance worldwide through funding of projects carried out by local and international CSOs and NGOs.

Source: IE