The National Endowment for Democracy lost a staunch friend and advocate with the death Friday, May 26, 2017, of former Board Member Zbigniew Brzezinski.
Brzezinski, who served on the Endowment’s Board of Directors from 1988-1997, was remembered by NED President Carl Gershman:
“Zbigniew Brzezinski was a magnificent member of the NED Board. He brought a deep commitment to the NED’s mission as well as a coherent strategic perspective informed by his historical optimism about the future of democracy. He was greatly appreciated by the NED staff for his insight and his support, and for always raising the right questions. When NED honored Zbig in 1997 for his nine years of service on the Board, he memorably said that “there is nothing more satisfying in life than to be associated with a cause in which one deeply believes…, which is just, and which is also a ‘winner.’” Zbig helped make NED a stronger institution, and we will always remember him for the profound contribution he made to our work, and for his friendship.”
The NED Board of Directors and the staff of the Endowment extend their deepest sympathy to the Brzezinski family, and to all the friends and colleagues of Dr. Brzezinski who were fortunate to benefit from his friendship, wise counsel, and unwavering commitment to the cause of human freedom and democracy.