WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Endowment for Democracy (NED), in partnership with the U.S. Russia Foundation (USRF) and Free Russia Foundation (FRF), is convening the Second Washington Dialogue: Building a Strategy for Russia’s Democratic Future on September 16-17 in Washington, D.C.
Building on the inaugural Washington Dialogue in 2024, this landmark event convenes Russian civil society leaders, human rights defenders, independent journalists, technologists, and policy experts with American counterparts. Participants will assess changing conditions within Russia, address the challenges confronting independent civic voices, and develop strategies toward a peaceful and democratic future.
“Putin’s brutal repression and horrific war cannot extinguish Russia’s democratic future,” said Damon Wilson, president and CEO of NED. “Russians who continue to tell the truth, defend human dignity, oppose the war against Ukraine, and envision a different future for their country demonstrate extraordinary courage. This dialogue is about standing with them as they strengthen the ideas, relationships, and strategies needed for a free, representative Russia at peace with its neighbors.”
The Washington Dialogue will focus on:
- Mounting Costs of Putin’s War: As Russia’s war against Ukraine continues into its fifth year with little movement on the battlefield, worsening economic and social conditions are weakening support among both the public and political elites. These pressures may create new openings for movements seeking peace and democratic change.
- Repression Within Russia and Beyond Its Borders: The Kremlin is using increasingly harsh measures to silence critics at home while pursuing activists and independent voices abroad. Civil society groups remain vital to documenting these abuses and protecting what remains of Russia’s civic space.
- Freedom of Information and Expression: Independent media and internet freedom advocates continue to find resourceful ways around state censorship. Their work provides Russian audiences with trustworthy information and develops new tools that help people access independent media online.
The Washington Dialogue is a private, invitation-only gathering. Attendance is limited to confirmed participants; there will be no onsite registration or walk-in access. Selected materials and findings from the Dialogue will be made publicly available following the conference.
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About the National Endowment for Democracy: NED is a private, nonprofit foundation dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide. Established in 1983 as part of President Reagan’s vision to foster an “infrastructure of democracy” with a bipartisan Congressional mandate, NED supports grassroots leaders striving for the freedom to think, speak, worship, engage politically, and support their families without fear. It mobilizes key pillars of American democracy, from political parties to business and labor, to support their counterparts abroad through the Core institutes that form the NED family: the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center.
Media Contact: press@ned.org
