What does UNDEF mean in UNITED NATIONS

The United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) was established in 2005 to help countries promote and consolidate democracy. It provides grants for activities related to democratic governance, including political participation, electoral processes, civil society, human rights and the strengthening of the rule of law. The fund provides quick responsiveness to situations demanding urgent attention, and works in close partnership with a broad range of stakeholders including governments, civil society organizations, research centers, and other UN entities.

UNDEF provides grants that typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 USD.

A concept note proposing an activity must be submitted electronically through the UNDEF website. After initial screening by UNDEF staff members for eligibility criteria, approved projects are then considered by an Independent Advisory Board composed of six world-renowned experts on democracy and development for selection and final recommendations.

Grants are available only to countries where the rule of law is upheld and basic human rights are respected; no applications will be considered from countries under sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council or General Assembly resolutions. Additionally, funding may not be used for partisan political purposes or support non-democratic regimes or oppressive practices of any kind.

All applicants must meet all criteria related to their country’s national laws concerning non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as accreditation requirements or minimum registration periods; legal capacity to contract with member states of the United Nations which includes registration/incorporation at least one year before the submission date; knowledge of English or French; sufficient financial guarantees or ability to provide them upon request; among others.

Activities funded by UNDEF should enable people’s direct participation in public life through suppressing abuses like corruption or advocating their rights before authorities without fear of retribution; encourage citizens' civic engagement through activities related to civil society strengthening and human rights protection; promote gender equality in public life and initiatives aimed at ensuring equal representation/participation between men/women within democratic institutions as well as more equitable access by men/women to essential services such as health care; support media freedom and independent journalism promotion which protect citizens’ right to information access as well as guarantee pluralistic views representation at all times throughout all stages within electoral processes; develop alternative forms of conflict resolution like mediation techniques that rely on citizen participation rather than coercion/repression in order to resolve conflicts peacefully; create inclusive societies where ethnic origin minorities can express their opinions freely with respect towards each other's beliefs while enjoying equal participation opportunities regardless both at local/national levels within decision-making processes.

No. Grants are limited exclusively for funding activities led by NGOs registered in the applicant respective state either before submitting application or upon request (after having been selected). Thus allowing large organizations such as international corporations or international organizations alike to bypass this requirement thus preventing competition stand aside is consequently prevented.

Yes. All applicants must demonstrate previous experience in successful project delivery relative knowledge expertise over similar scope areas preferably.