The Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism (GCDM), established by Club de Madrid, seeks to reconnect and strengthen the relationship between democratic governance and multilateral cooperation. In a context marked by declining trust in international institutions and growing democratic backsliding across regions, the Commission aims to align democracy promotion with multilateral renewal — identifying practical, politically feasible pathways to make global governance more accountable, participatory, and rights-based.

Composed of a distinguished group of former Heads of State and Government, international leaders, and democracy experts, the GCDM provides forward-looking ideas and policy recommendations to revitalize democracy within global and regional frameworks. Drawing on the political experience and intellectual leadership of its Commissioners, the Commission will explore how stronger democratic practices at national level can, in turn, reinforce the legitimacy and effectiveness of multilateral systems.

Through in-depth research and structured dialogue, the Commission will deliver actionable proposals to reform and strengthen the way multilateral and plurilateral frameworks support democracy worldwide. Its work will focus on enhancing cooperation across the United Nations, regional organizations, and democratic alliances, ensuring that institutional innovation and political vision go hand in hand.

Ultimately, the GCDM seeks to contribute to a renewed global consensus around democracy — one that embraces inclusivity, transparency, and solidarity. By bridging policy communities and encouraging dialogue among states, civil society, and international actors, the Commission aims to generate momentum for meaningful democratic renewal in international cooperation.

The findings and recommendations of the Commission will be presented in 2026 at the Club de Madrid Annual Policy Dialogue, accompanied by a global advocacy and communication effort designed to maximize visibility, policy uptake, and long-term impact.

         Working Group 1  

REVITALISING SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY WITHIN THE UN SYSTEM

Led by International IDEA, this Working Group examines how the United Nations system can more effectively promote and protect democracy through its agencies, processes, and mechanisms. It identifies practical entry points—such as peacebuilding, development cooperation, electoral support, and human rights frameworks—to strengthen democratic governance within existing UN structures. The Group aims to produce realistic, politically viable proposals to embed democracy more firmly across the UN system.

         Working Group 2

REINFORCING DEMOCRATIC NORMS THROUGH REGIONAL MECHANISMS

Led by the European Democracy Hub, this Working Group explores how regional organisations can uphold and advance democratic norms. By analysing examples from Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia, it assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing instruments such as political charters, election observation, and rule of law mechanisms. The Group seeks to generate actionable recommendations to enhance the normative and protective role of regional institutions, while fostering stronger connections with civil society and parliaments.

         Working Group 3

INNOVATING DEMOCRATIC COOPERATION THROUGH PLURILATERALISM

Led by the Open Government Partnership (OGP), this Working Group focuses on how flexible, issue-based coalitions of democratic actors can support democracy in a fragmented global landscape. It maps existing plurilateral initiatives, evaluates their effectiveness, and develops recommendations to improve coordination, impact, and resilience. By highlighting innovative models of cooperation, it aims to identify how plurilateral efforts can complement multilateral and regional frameworks in defending democratic governance.