The Ohio State University Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability

Global Innovations in Democracy Parliamentary Exchange

Global Innovations in Democracy Parliamentary Exchange

GID Parliamentary Exchange 2022

The Global Innovations in Democracy: Parliamentary Exchange (GID) is a collaboration between the Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability (IDEA) at The Ohio State University and the Center for Democracy Innovation at the National Civic League. Established in 2022, GID provides a global forum for legislators, experts, and government staff to discuss the most innovative methods and tools for gathering public input, overcoming divisions, building trust, and gaining public support for policy. At a time of rising threats to democracy, this kind of learning exchange is increasingly critical to support democratic leaders, solve stalled domestic problems, and coordinate solutions to global challenges.

To get involved or learn more about GID, visit the GID website or contact Amy Lee at lee.8989@osu.edu or Adam Duffy at duffy.299@osu.edu.

GID 2022 in Washington, D.C.

In November 2022, the first GID was held in Washington, D.C. Parliamentary delegations from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined members of the U.S. House of Representatives for two days of discussions.

The first exchange achieved three main goals. It created an off-the-record space for legislator-to-legislator dialogue on best practices for engaging constituents. It connected legislators with innovative practitioners and scholars in the democracy-strengthening community. It also introduced members of the U.S. Congress to participatory reforms that other advanced democracies have built into their legislative processes.

“The goal of the workshop and parliamentary exchange was to provide lawmakers from all the different countries a chance to learn directly from their peers about some of these innovations we in civil society have been working on. If our efforts lead to sparking any collaboration or wider adoption of some of these best practices, that’s a real win for all of us working to make democracy stronger,” said Michael Neblo, IDEA’s director.

GID 2024 in Washington, D.C.

The second GID, delayed from fall 2023 by a potential government shutdown, took place April 15 to 17, 2024. The exchange was significantly larger than the first, with delegations representing Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, France, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi spoke at the opening reception about the value of democracy innovation and of women's leadership in politics around the world. American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies hosted a day of workshops and panels. The event concluded with a parliamentary exchange at the U.S. Capitol, where Representative Nick Langworthy of New York welcomed the delegations.

“We need to make democracy more democratic,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi told participants.

Looking ahead

The GID organizing team looks forward to continuing to bring together diverse voices to broaden perspectives and strengthen attendees' commitment to protecting democracy around the world. Based on feedback, the team is considering enhancements for future exchanges, including more opportunities for workshops and open collaboration.

Partners

GID is a collaboration between IDEA and the Center for Democracy Innovation at the National Civic League, and it depends on the generous support of its partners and supporters. They have included American University's Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Washington, D.C., the Apolitical Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, the Berggruen Institute, the Brennan Center for Justice, ifok, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Read more about IDEA's partners on our Partners page.

Reports and further reading