IDU FORUM AND 40TH ANNIVERSARY

“No matter how hard they try, totalitarian countries can never extinguish the flame of freedom.”

With these words, Margaret Thatcher welcomed conservative, Christian-democratic, and centre-right party leaders from around the world at the Intercontinental Hotel in London on June 24, 1983. It was at the height of the Cold War when the fight against Soviet communism dominated our geopolitical lives. The International Democrat Union was born.

To mark this special anniversary, we have the pleasure of inviting you to join us as we return to the birthplace of our organization for IDU Forum 2023 London.

We are excited to bring together conservative legislators, party executives, and thought leaders from more than 80 member-parties to forge stronger relationships, share best practices for campaigning and governing, build bridges with parties in emerging democracies, and tackle the global challenges of our time. Attending an IDU Forum is an opportunity to connect with our global family while contributing to our core mission of supporting freedom and democracy around the world.

Our program will include a meeting of our specialized groups and an opening reception on June 19th as well as a full day conference and a gala dinner celebrating the IDU’s 40th anniversary on June 20th. For official delegates of the IDU member parties, an Executive meeting will be held on June 21st.