In this era of globalization and interdependence, many multilateral organizations have taken on mandates, competencies and responsibilities that affect many facets of human life by directly influencing the national jurisdiction of nation-states. As governance becomes global,it is necessary that these international institutions operate according to democratic structures and principles of equal and fair representation of nation-states. Democratic processes for international decision-making are necessary to ensure peace and security around the world. This is increasingly important in the 21st century when the world is dealing with security threats that are not only interconnected, but also transnational. Accordingly democracy must be recognized as an international principle, applicable to all international organizations and to international relations among nation-states.

“WFM is increasingly being recognized for its expertise and vision on the issues of global governance and democratization of multilateral institutions.”

WFM is increasingly being recognized for its expertise and vision on the issues of global governance and democratization of multilateral institutions. Just a few years ago, discussions of a more democratic United Nations, international democracy and global parliaments were still considered utopian. The fact that these terms are used and accepted so widely today is a reflection of an extraordinary evolution in international affairs.

World federalists believe that international democracy requires the legal and institutional structures to underpin a responsive, accountable system of democratic global governance. In respecting the sovereignty and political integrity of states, WFM promotes the principle of international democracy by calling for rule of law and equal representation as well as transparency and accountability.

WFM is committed to the vision of a just world order through a strengthened and more democratic United Nations, a vision shared and supported by heads of state, parliamentarians and civil society present at the UN Millenium Summit. In an effort to democratize the UN, WFM works for a Security Council reform, the primacy of the UN General Assembly and the strengthening of the UN Economic and Social Council. As a matter of ensuring democratic processes, WFM calls for fair and transparent selection of high-level officials for international institutions.

“WFM promotes the development of mechanisms and procedures for citizens and representative groups to have a voice in the inter-governmental decision-making processes which affect their lives.”

As a world-wide citizen’s organization, WFM promotes the development of mechanisms and procedures for citizens and representative groups to have a voice in the inter-governmental decision-making processes which affect their lives. WFM advocates for the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly, an Expansion of Citizens’ Rights within international organizations and overall greater Accountability and Transparency for international decision-making processes.

Because democratic states are a prerequisite for a well-functioning international democracy, WFM is also engaged in the promotion of democracy at the national level through monitoring and participation in International processes for democracy.

Additionally, to uphold the UN’s integrity and reliability as the international forum of policy making, WFM advocates the full implementation of all commitments made at UN Conferences and Summits of the 1990s.

In working to strengthen International Democracy, WFM collaborates with its Member and Associated Organizations. Some of the other organizations we collaborate with on this issue are: