Terms of Reference
Background, Objectives, Purpose and Scope
1. Following the proposal for the establishment of a Democracy Fund
and consultations conducted with Member States, the Secretary-General
has established a United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) in July 2005 as
a United Nations General Trust Fund.
2. In the 2005 World Summit Outcome (paragraphs 135-137, pg. 30), the Heads of State and Government
reaffirmed that democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed
will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and
cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.
They also reaffirmed that there is no single model of democracy, that it does
not belong to any country or region, and reaffirmed the necessity of due respect
for sovereignty and the right of self-determination. The Summit Outcome stresses
that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental
freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
3. The Heads of State and Government renewed their commitment to support democracy
by strengthening countries' capacity to implement the principles and practices of
democracy, and resolved to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to assist
Member States upon their request. They also welcomed the establishment of UNDEF.
4. The Heads of State and Government invited the Secretary-General to ensure that
practical arrangements for UNDEF complement the existing United Nations activity in
this field carried out by the Department of Political Affairs (DPA), the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR), as well as other entities in the United Nations system.
5. The overall purpose of UNDEF is to support democratization around the world by
funding projects that strengthen the voice of civil societies, promote human rights,
and encourage the participation of all in democratic processes. Projects could be in
the field of, inter alia, strengthening democratic dialogue, civil society empowerment,
civic education, freedom of information, and strengthening the rule of law.
6. UNDEF will preferentially fund projects implemented by civil society organizations
(CSOs) selected through a competitive process that includes quality control and due
diligence. Projects may also be implemented, as appropriate, by government bodies,
national constitutional bodies, regional entities, intergovernmental bodies and
United Nations entities.
Structure and Administration
7. UNDEF will be administered in accordance with United Nations Financial Regulations
and Rules. Every project implemented by a UN entity supported by UNDEF will be subject
to the standard programme support cost reimbursement utilized by the United Nations
Office for Partnerships (UNOP).
8. An Advisory Board will be established by the Secretary-General to provide policy
guidance for the development of programme frameworks and funding guidelines, and to
consider proposals for funding. The Advisory Board will recommend funding proposals
for approval by the Secretary-General.
9. The Advisory Board, constituted by the Secretary General, will include one
representative each from the seven largest Member State contributors as well as the
Executive Director of UNOP, who will serve in an ex officio capacity. The Secretary
General, in his discretion, will also appoint one representative each from six other
Member States to reflect diverse geographical representation, including one representative
from Small Island Developing States; three individual members; and two representatives
of CSOs. In this regard, the Secretary General will take into account their capacity and
willingness to participate in UNDEF activities.
10. From 2010 onwards, the Advisory Board will serve for a period of two calendar years.
The Secretary-General may replace a member of the Advisory Board who resigns or cannot
otherwise participate in its meetings.
11. For the Advisory Board to be constituted for 2010-11, the Secretary-General will
appoint members based upon the criteria applicable in the original Terms of Reference.
From 2012 onwards, the determination of the seven largest Member State contributors will
be based on their actual contributions to UNDEF during the previous three calendar years.
Contributions will be measured on the second Friday of December in the year preceding the
commencement of the term.
12. The Advisory Board will recommend to the Secretary General one of its individual
members to be appointed as the Chair of the Advisory Board. The thirteen Member States
and two CSOs will be responsible for designating their representatives on the Advisory
Board. Members will not receive remuneration for their services.
13. The Advisory Board will be supported by an Office of UNDEF that will consist of an
Executive Head and other staff appointed by the Secretary-General. The appointment of
the Executive Head will be made in consultation with the Advisory Board.
14. The Office of UNDEF will be located within UNOP. For administrative purposes, the
Executive Head of UNDEF will report to the Executive Director of UNOP, who reports to
the Secretary-General through the Deputy Secretary-General. For substantive support to
the Advisory Board, the Executive Head will deal directly with the Advisory Board.
15. The Advisory Board will meet quarterly or as appropriate, as decided by the Secretary
General on the recommendation of the Advisory Board.
16. The core functions of the Office of the UNDEF will be as follows:
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(i) develop programme funding criteria, in consultation with the Programme
Consultative Group
(ii) solicit and receive proposals on the basis of guidelines approved by the Advisory Board
(iii) review project proposals for submission to the Advisory Board
(iv) conduct outreach activities
(v) facilitate in-kind donations of technical assistance from States and NGOs
(vi) arrange monitoring and evaluation, as well as audit exercises
(vii) handle all aspects of the allocation, disbursement and accounting of funds
(viii) submit reports to the ACABQ and Fifth Committee of the General Assembly, as and when required
18. The Secretary-General will establish a Programme Consultative Group (PCG) which will provide advice to the Advisory Board on programme funding criteria and on project proposals, through the Executive Head of the Office of the UNDEF.
17. The PCG may comprise up to a total of seven senior representatives from DPA, UNDP, OHCHR and other relevant UN system organizations who will be appointed by the Secretary-General. One of the members will serve as Chair. The Executive Head of the UNDEF will be an ex officio member of the PCG and will be responsible for convening the meetings of the PCG.
18. The Advisory Board may request the Chair of the PCG to attend its meetings as appropriate.
19. The PCG will comprise senior representatives from DPA, UNDP, OHCHR, UNODC, DPKO, UNIFEM and other relevant UN system organizations who will be appointed by the Secretary-General. One of the members will serve as Chair. The Executive Head of UNDEF will be an ex officio member of the PCG.
20. The Advisory Board may request the Chair of the PCG to attend its meetings as appropriate.
21. In order to keep all donors to UNDEF apprised of developments, a meeting of representatives from donors that have contributed to UNDEF will be convened at least once a year by the Secretary-General or a designated Senior Official; this will also provide an opportunity for consultations between the Advisory Board and all donors.
22. These Terms of Reference of UNDEF should be reviewed by the Secretary-General in consultation with the Advisory Board at least once every 6 years.