The Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World convened in Istanbul, Turkey in April 2004. Delegates from predominantly Muslim countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East with practical experience in democratic governance gathered to discuss their personal experiences with democratic governance, highlight progress made in many predominantly Muslim countries, and address the challenges that face the movement toward democratic reform.

The Platform for Democratic Governance in the Islamic World issued at the conclusion of the Congress in Istanbul reflected the consensus of the delegates and emphasized the key principles of democratic governance. It includes clear benchmarks for enhanced democratization by calling for accountable political parties, multiparty elections administered by independent election commissions, independent media, freedom of information, equal political participation by women, and oversight of governments by parliaments and civil society.

At the Congress, delegates discussed a wide range of issues facing their nations, including the role of a democratic rule of law in Islamic societies; strategies for increasing the involvement of women and youth in political life; and means of strengthening relationships between political organizations and civil society.

Read the program agenda here.

The Congress was conceived nearly two years prior to meeting by a group of leading democratic reformers from predominantly Muslim countries. It was sponsored by the National Democratic Institute, the United Nations Development Programme and the Turkish Democracy Foundation, with support from 16 governments and foundations from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

Read the full list of sponsors here.

Delegates in the Congress included current or former government officials, parliamentarians, and political leaders from ruling and opposition parties who had a proven individual record of democratic commitment and achievement.

Read more about the delegates here.