UN Democracy Fund To Begin 2nd Round Of Funding

UN Democracy Fund to begin second round of funding applications

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), which awards grants to projects that aim to promote and consolidate new and restored democracies, is opening its second round of funding applications this week.

More than $62 million is available in the trust fund to support applications, which will be accepted online in either English or French from this Thursday until 18 December, UNDEF said in a press release.

The applications can focus on one or more of six areas: strengthening democratic dialogue and support for constitutional processes; civil society empowerment; civic education, voter registration and strengthening of political parties; citizens' access to information; human rights and fundamental freedoms; and accountability, transparency and integrity.

So far some 30 Member States have made voluntary contributions to UNDEF since its establishment in July 2005, but further financial contributions are expected later this year.

Last year, in the first round of project selection and fund disbursements, the UN Secretary-General approved 125 projects worth $36 million, with the largest share devoted to projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

ENDS

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