National Endowment for Democracy

NED is proud to announce that Ambassador Sam Brownback and Carrie Filipetti have been elected to NED’s Board of Directors.  “Ambassador Brownback and Carrie Filipetti bring clarity, conviction, and real-world experience to the challenge posed by authoritarianism,” said Peter Roskam, Chairman of NED’s Board of Directors. “Their experience across government, civil society, and international engagement will strengthen NED’s ability to support courageous partners working on the frontlines of freedom.” Ambassador Brownback currently serves as Co-Chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit and Chairman of the National Committee for Religious Freedom, leading global efforts to protect religious liberty and counter repression. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, as the 46th Governor of Kansas, and as the U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom. Carrie F. is Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition and a Distinguished Fellow at the Wilson Center. She previously served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of State, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cuba and Venezuela and Deputy Special Representative for Venezuela, as well as at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, with a focus on countering authoritarian influence and strengthening democratic institutions. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dxgH7jZ7

HAPPENING TODAY: Join us online for “Freedom Tech and the Fight for Democracy,” the 22nd Seymour Martin Lipset Lecture featuring Leopoldo López Mendoza, Venezuelan democratic leader and cofounder of the World Liberty Congress. López will share insights from his experience confronting authoritarian repression in Venezuela, and how decentralized technologies are reshaping democratic resistance around the world. The lecture will be followed by a conversation with Vera Bergengruen of The Wall Street Journal on what lies ahead for freedom and democratic resilience. 📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 🕠 5:45–7:00 PM ET 🔗 Watch live here: https://lnkd.in/dXVZwRsS

Join our livestream on January 14 for the annual Seymour Martin Lipset Lecture on Democracy in the World, “Freedom Tech and the Fight for Democracy: Decentralized Resistance to Autocratic Regimes.”   Leopoldo López Mendoza, Venezuelan democratic leader and cofounder of the World Liberty Congress, will explore how decentralized technologies are reshaping democratic movements around the world, especially at a moment of renewed urgency for democracy in Venezuela.   📅 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 🕠 5:45 PM ET 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ekw3MKCg

The recent release of more than 120 political prisoners in Belarus is a moment of relief, joy, and hope for dozens of families and for all who believe in freedom. We welcome the release of Ales Bialiatski, Maryia Kalesnikava, Maryna Zolatava, Viktar Babaryka, and many others unjustly imprisoned for standing up for democratic values. We are grateful for U.S. diplomatic efforts that helped secure these releases and for the sustained advocacy of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Belarusian human rights defenders. As more than 1,100 political prisoners remain behind bars, the National Endowment for Democracy reaffirms its committed to supporting the Belarusian people in their struggle for dignity, rights, and freedom. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eshnt3xY

We’re hiring! 🌍 Join us and work alongside courageous activists, civil society leaders, independent media, and global partners who are advancing human rights and democratic values around the world.   Current openings include: ▪️ Data Officer, Impact Lab ▪️ Senior Strategic Content and Publications Officer Apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e5__3t62

In 1995, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. Just three days after the announcement, Chinese authorities abducted the boy and his family—making him the world’s youngest political prisoner.  Thirty years have passed since that day. His fate still remains unknown.  This year, NED presented its Democracy Service Medal to the 11th Panchen Lama, to honor Tibet’s struggle and the right of all faith communities to choose their own spiritual leaders, free from authoritarian control. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eS5QhW3N

Pastor Wang Yi is one of China’s bravest defenders of religious freedom. As the leader of Early Rain Covenant Church, he stood firm in the face of growing repression from the Chinese Communist Party — refusing to abandon the right to worship freely. In 2018, he was sentenced to nine years in prison on charges of “inciting subversion.” Now in his seventh year behind bars, Pastor Wang’s unwavering courage continues to inspire. His story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest places, faith and freedom endure. This year, NED awarded Pastor Wang Yi the Democracy Service Medal in recognition of his extraordinary courage and leadership. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/esG7YZsP

This year, NED honored Campaign for Uyghurs with the Democracy Award for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Uyghurs and other Muslim communities persecuted for their faith and identity under Chinese Communist Party rule. Founded in 2017, Campaign for Uyghurs has become a leading voice exposing the CCP’s campaign of repression in East Turkistan. Through survivor testimony, global advocacy, diaspora empowerment, and interfaith coalition-building, the organization has brought urgent international attention to the atrocities facing Uyghurs—from mass internment and forced labor to the erasure of cultural and religious life. Led by Rushan Abbas, whose courageous leadership has given voice to families torn apart by repression, Campaign for Uyghurs reminds us that even in the face of immense cruelty, courage, conscience, and the fight for dignity endure. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eQXTeg8b  

Earlier this month, NED honored China Digital Times for its unwavering commitment to chronicling the Chinese people’s struggle for freedom.    Founded in 2003 by Qiang Xiao, China Digital Times is a bilingual platform that exposes the Chinese Communist Party’s censorship apparatus and preserves a living record of the Chinese people’s courage and creativity.   As Beijing’s grip tightens, China Digital Times and Xiao Qiang keep a vital window open to the unfiltered, authentic perspectives of the Chinese people—proving that no regime, however powerful, can silence a people’s voice.      Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eMMtKEvm  

“Authoritarians fail to understand that faith is the domain of the sacred. It is foundational to freedom; it cannot be controlled by political power.” — Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche, accepting the Democracy Service Medal on behalf of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was abducted by Chinese authorities at age six in 1995 and remains missing. Presented by NED Board Member Alyssa Ayres, this award honors Tibet’s struggle and the right of all faith communities to choose their own spiritual leaders, free from authoritarian control. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eS5QhW3N  

“Pastor Wang Yi’s imprisonment and all that our church has endured are not isolated events, nor are they only about the religious freedom of Christians in China. They reflect the broader suffering of countless Chinese prisoners of conscience today.” — Cao Yaxue, founder of China Change, accepting the 2025 Democracy Service Medal from Congressman Jason Crow on behalf of Pastor Wang Yi. NED presented the Democracy Service Medal to Pastor Wang Yi in recognition of his courage and leadership. Sentenced to nine years in prison for defending the right to worship freely, Pastor Wang Yi’s story reminds us that even in the darkest places, faith and freedom endure. Learn more about Pastor Wang Yi here: https://lnkd.in/esG7YZsP  

“The future of AI will test our technologies, but more importantly, it will test our values and our humanity. Freedom begins with truth — and when truth is held as our collective memory, it becomes the seed of a freer future.” — Qiang Xiao receiving the 2025 Democracy Award from Congressman and NED Board Member Joaquin Castro. NED honored China Digital Times with the Award for their unwavering commitment to exposing the Chinese Communist Party’s censorship and chronicling the Chinese people’s struggle for truth and freedom. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eMMtKEvm  

“This is not just a Uyghur issue anymore. It is China’s war on faith, a war on freedom and democracy, a war on women and children — a war on humanity itself. We stand at a turning point in history.” — Rushan Abbas, accepting the 2025 Democracy Award on behalf of Campaign for Uyghurs from NED Board Member and former Senator Mel Martinez. NED honored Campaign for Uyghurs with the Award for their tireless work amplifying the voices of Uyghur families torn apart by the CCP’s mass internment and repression. Learn more about Campaign for Uyghurs here: https://lnkd.in/eQXTeg8b

We’re hiring! 🌍 Join us and work alongside courageous activists, civil society leaders, independent media, and global partners who are advancing human rights and democratic values around the world.     Current openings include:  · Controller  · Program Officer, Europe Apply here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e4wsX-FY

“It’s clear to us at the Endowment, and to others who share our values, that we have an obligation to stand up for those who recognize this spark within themselves.” – Peter Roskam, NED Chairman and former U.S. Representative.  Every year, NED’s Board of Directors presents the Democracy Awards to champions on the frontlines of freedom. This year’s ceremony honored individuals and organizations challenging the Chinese Communist Party’s assault on speech and belief—affirming the fundamental right to worship freely, speak the truth without fear, and live according to one’s own conscience.   Read our event recap here: https://lnkd.in/eY9w-x3v 

In case you missed it, NED’s 2025 Democracy Awards honored the unwavering courage of those who refuse to be silenced by the Chinese Communist Party—defenders of faith, speech, and freedom. This year’s Democracy Awards recognized two honorees: China Digital Times for its commitment to documenting the Chinese people’s struggle for freedom, and the Campaign for Uyghurs for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Uyghurs and Muslim communities persecuted by the CCP for their faith. We also presented Democracy Service Medals to Pastor Wang Yi, imprisoned leader of China’s house church movement, accepted on his behalf by Cao Yaxue of China Change, and the 11th Panchen Lama, Tibet’s abducted spiritual leader, which was accepted on his behalf by Abbot Zeekyab Rinpoche of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Distinguished speakers included Representatives Jason Crow, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, NED Board Members Representatives John Moolenaar, and Joaquin Castro, Senator Todd Young, Chairman Representative Peter Roskam (Ret.), Vice Chair Eileen Donahoe JD, Ph.D, Senator Mel Martínez (Ret.), Alyssa Ayres, and NED President and CEO Damon Wilson.     We are proud to stand with those fighting for the fundamental right to worship freely, speak truth without fear, and live by one’s conscience. Our honorees remind us that freedom may be suppressed, but can never be extinguished. Read our event recap: https://lnkd.in/eY9w-x3v  

We’re hiring a Senior Manager, Eurasia Grants. Join NED’s mission to advance democracy and human rights around the world. Your work can help make a global impact. Learn more and apply ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eSu_PscC

Last night at NED’s 2025 Democracy Awards we honored the unwavering courage of those who refuse to be silenced by the Chinese Communist Party—defenders of faith, speech, and freedom.   China Digital Times was recognized for its commitment to documenting the Chinese people’s struggle for freedom, and the Campaign for Uyghurs for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Uyghurs and Muslim communities persecuted by the CCP for their faith.   We also presented Democracy Service Medals to two powerful symbols of faith and resilience: Pastor Wang Yi, imprisoned for leading his house church, and Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, abducted at age six after being recognized by the Dalai Lama as Tibet’s rightful spiritual leader.   Their stories remind us: freedom may be suppressed, but never extinguished. 

“Our honorees remind us that courage is contagious—and that every act of conscience strengthens the cause of freedom. May their example call each of us to stand a little taller, and believe a little deeper, in the power of faith and freedom.” – Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy

Thirty years ago, a Tibetan boy was taken from his home. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, recognized as the 11th Panchen Lama, was abducted by Chinese authorities at the age of six in 1995 and has not been seen since. Tonight, NED honored him with the Democracy Service Medal accepted by Zeekyab Rinpoche, Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. This award honors Tibet’s struggle and the right of all faith communities to choose their own spiritual leaders, free from authoritarian control.  

This year, the Democracy Awards honor China Digital Times for its unwavering commitment to chronicling the Chinese people’s struggle for freedom. Presented by Representative Joaquin Castro, the award was accepted by Xiao Qiang, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of China Digital Times. As Beijing’s grip tightens, China Digital Times and Xiao Qiang keep a vital window open to the unfiltered, authentic perspectives of the Chinese people—proving that no regime, however powerful, can silence a people’s voice.  

This year, the Democracy Awards honor Campaign for Uyghurs for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Uyghurs and other Muslim communities living under Chinese Communist Party rule. Presented by Senator Mel Martínez, the award recognizes Rushan Abbas, Founder & Executive Director of the Campaign for Uyghurs, whose courageous leadership has given voice to Uyghur families torn apart by the CCP’s mass internment and repression.    A global force for Uyghur rights, Rushan Abbas and Campaign for Uyghurs reminds us that even under the weight of repression, courage and conscience endure. 

Tonight, the National Endowment for Democracy presented the Democracy Service Medal to Pastor Wang Yi, a courageous defender of religious freedom and leader of the Early Rain Covenant Church in China.  In 2018 Pastor Wang Yi was sentenced to nine years in prison for standing up for the right to worship freely. The award was presented by Rep. Jason Crow and accepted on his behalf by Cao Yaxue, founder of China Change, who continues to elevate the voices of China’s most courageous dissidents and rights defenders.  Pastor Wang Yi’s story reminds us that even in the darkest places, faith and freedom endure.

Tonight, the National Endowment for Democracy will present the 2025 Democracy Awards, honoring the courage of those who risk everything to defend faith, truth, and freedom in the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s repression. This year’s Democracy Awards are being presented to China Digital Times for its commitment to documenting the Chinese people’s struggle for freedom, and the Campaign for Uyghurs for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Uyghurs and other Muslim communities persecuted by the CCP for their faith. We will also present Democracy Service Medals to two powerful symbols of faith and resilience: Pastor Wang Yi, imprisoned for leading his house church, and the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, abducted by Chinese authorities at age six in 1995 after the Dalai Lama recognized his role in Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual succession. By honoring them, we affirm a simple truth: even the most repressive regimes cannot extinguish conscience, faith, and the human desire to live free. Stay tuned as we celebrate their courage!

On this International Day of Political Prisoners, NED joins more than two dozen organizations in standing in solidarity with those unjustly detained around the world for exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. We reaffirm our shared commitment to the universal right to freedom of thought, expression, association, and belief. The world’s political prisoners must not be forgotten. Read our joint statement here: https://lnkd.in/e8QJpADF

The National Endowment for Democracy congratulates Board Member Roxanne D. Brown on her election as President of the United Steelworkers (USW).    Since 1983, NED has worked with partners around the world to advance economic freedom and accountability where authoritarian regimes manipulate markets, exploit workers, and suppress civic voice.     Roxanne’s election is a powerful reminder that economic and political freedom rise together, strengthened by citizens who organize, lead, and lend their voices to democracy at home and abroad.    Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gstzJEb4   

Join Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy, at the 2025 China Forum. Hosted by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, the China Forum convenes leading scholars, experts, and policymakers working on China to deepen America’s understanding of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and the key challenges shaping U.S.–China relations. 📅 October 27–28 📍 Washington, DC 🔗https://lnkd.in/e9Yai_J7

Every day, Ukrainians are keeping democratic life alive against extraordinary odds. In the face of bombardment, occupation, and atrocities meant to break their spirit, they are defending fundamental rights, documenting war crimes, and advancing reforms to secure a future where human dignity and the right of free people to choose their own path prevails. The United States has invested billions to support Ukraine. By empowering local reformers, watchdogs, and independent media, NED helps ensure that investment delivers results: a Ukraine capable of holding the line against authoritarian aggression, emerging stronger and freer, and contributing to a safer, more secure world for Americans and their allies. 📖 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/ejnmV23C

The National Endowment for Democracy congratulates María Corina Machado Parisca on receiving the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless work promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and her struggle for a just and peaceful transition from authoritarianism. This honor recognizes not only her courage and leadership, but also the millions of Venezuelans who mobilized and voted in July 2024 for a democratic transition the Maduro regime refuses to recognize. Their choice of ballots over violence embodies the spirit of peace and representative democracy this prize celebrates. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eWNhH2ph

How do people defend free speech in authoritarian environments? NED supports partners around the world who: 1. Protect the right to speak—and expose abuse 2️. Strengthen independent, local media ecosystems 3️. Break authoritarian information blockades 4️. Fuel innovation to secure the future of free expression Across regions, these efforts help citizens document abuses, access reliable information, bypass censorship, and develop tools that keep free speech alive. Explore how NED’s support empowers partners to protect free speech and counter authoritarianism in our new report: https://lnkd.in/eCUNgRxc

Authoritarian regimes fear free voices. Juan Zarate, NED Board member, brings expert insight into countering authoritarian influence and illicit networks. His moderation will shape a vital discussion on how civic voices are confronting modern censorship. Join him at “Breaking Through: How Citizens Are Fighting Modern Authoritarian Censorship.” 📅 September 18, 2025 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM ET 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dgq-pvKg

Lhadon Tethong, Co-Founder & Director of the Tibet Action Institute, fuses digital communications and nonviolent strategy to advance human rights and democratic resilience in repressive settings. Catch her at “Breaking Through: How Citizens Are Fighting Modern Authoritarian Censorship” where she’ll discuss how civic leaders are turning peaceful creative resistance into real impact. 📅 September 18, 2025 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM ET 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dgq-pvKg

Evan Alireza Firoozi, Executive Director of NetFreedom Pioneers, creates cutting-edge technologies that keep information accessible in some of the world’s most heavily censored environments. Don’t miss his perspectives at “Breaking Through: How Citizens Are Fighting Modern Authoritarian Censorship” where we’ll explore how tech innovation is helping defy digital repression. 📅 September 18, 2025 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM ET 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dgq-pvKg

Juan Lorenzo Holmann of La Prensa—Nicaragua’s oldest newspaper—is standing up for the right to speak and be heard. Carrying forward a legacy of fearless journalism, he’s defending open access to information and ensuring citizens can rely on independent reporting to hold government accountable. Hear his insights at “Breaking Through: How Citizens Are Fighting Modern Authoritarian Censorship” where leading voices will share how they are defending free expression with creativity and resilience. 📅 September 18, 2025 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM ET 🔗 Register today: https://lnkd.in/dgq-pvKg

Authoritarian regimes are upgrading their censorship playbook—using high-tech tools and cross-border “sharp power” tactics to silence dissent and choke off free expression. Join us for “Breaking Through: How Citizens Are Fighting Modern Authoritarian Censorship” to hear from frontline advocates who are pushing back with research, advocacy, and innovative technological workarounds. This timely forum will explore how civic leaders are breaking through censorship and what the pro-democratic community can do to defend free speech around the world. Featuring: • Juan Lorenzo Holmann, General Manager, La Prensa • Evan Alireza Firoozi, Executive Director, NetFreedom Pioneers • Lhadon Tethong, Co-Founder & Director, Tibet Action Institute • Juan Zarate, Board Treasurer, National Endowment for Democracy (Moderator) Join in person or attend virtually! 📅 September 18, 2025 🕤 9:30–11:00 AM ET 🔗 Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/dgq-pvKg

Religious freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. But around the world, authoritarian regimes view faith communities as a threat to their power. From churches and mosques to temples and synagogues, faith-based groups are often on the frontlines of defending human rights and democratic values. 🔗Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eEUMFpB4

In the face of authoritarianism, the National Endowment for Democracy is investing in people—the civic entrepreneurs, grassroots organizers, independent journalists, and human rights defenders who are leading change in their own communities. Read “Freedom’s Framework: The Case for Democracy,” to see how NED supports those who are standing up for political and civic freedoms around the world. https://lnkd.in/erM8PgzH

At NED we prioritize efficiency and impact, getting resources directly to those striving for freedom and democracy on the frontlines. Last year, NED delivered more than $286 million in grantmaking for 1,905 projects around the world. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eKCVP5bq

Around the world, NED partners are documenting attacks on worshippers, defending imprisoned faith leaders, and uniting communities across religious lines. Through these efforts, they work to ensure that all people—regardless of belief—can fully participate in civic and political life. 🔗Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eEUMFpB4

In case you missed it, the National Endowment for Democracy posthumously awarded the 2025 Democracy Service Medal to Oswaldo Payá, a visionary Cuban dissident who mobilized thousands to demand democratic reform under one of the world’s most repressive regimes. His wife, Ofelia Acevedo, and daughter, Rosa Maria Payá, accepted the medal on his behalf—embodying the resilience of a family and the courage of a movement still fighting for a free Cuba. The ceremony brought together voices across the political spectrum—including Senators Ted Cruz and Dick Durbin, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and former Senator Mel Martinez—in a display of bipartisan solidarity with the Cuban people. At NED, we are proud to support those who stand up for freedom, even in the most difficult circumstances. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/emPhe_-J

Democracy is more than a system—it’s a safeguard for dignity, freedom, and opportunity. Our essay “Freedom’s Framework” explores why democracy matters and how NED’s people-driven approach to grantmaking empowers activists to work for greater freedoms in their own countries. From civic entrepreneurs to tech innovators, these local leaders are turning democratic ideals into action in their communities. Read and share: https://lnkd.in/erM8PgzH

At NED, every dollar counts. Here’s how we put it to work: ▪️ $0.83 goes directly to grassroots leaders, civic entrepreneurs, and democracy advocates ▪️$0.08 supports operations ▪️ $0.07 funds oversight ▪️$0.02 is invested in research and development

Freedom of expression and democracy are two inseparable realities. When one is affected, the other is weakened as well. In Newsmax, NED Board Chairman Peter Roskam warns that authoritarian regimes are increasingly exporting censorship beyond their borders—pressuring global companies, distorting international norms, and manipulating the information space to weaken democracies from within. China’s demand that U.S. airlines erase Taiwan from their websites was not just a one-off incident, but an indicator of a broader trend: authoritarian powers working to control speech far beyond their own citizens. Supporting those who defend freedom of expression abroad helps safeguard freedom everywhere. That’s why NED supports independent voices who, often at great personal risk, refuse to be silenced. 📖 Read the full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/ee2aAsaF

In case you missed it, watch our recap of the 2025 Democracy Service Medal. Last week on Capitol Hill, the National Endowment for Democracy posthumously awarded the medal to Oswaldo Payá, a visionary Cuban dissident who mobilized thousands to demand democratic reform under one of the world’s most repressive regimes. His wife, Ofelia Acevedo, and daughter, Rosa Maria Payáá, accepted the medal on his behalf—embodying the resilience of a family and the courage of a movement still fighting for a free Cuba. The ceremony brought together voices across the political spectrum—including Senators Ted Cruz and Richard Durbin, Rep. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and former Senator Mel Martinez—in a powerful display of bipartisan solidarity with the Cuban people. At NED, we are proud to support those who stand up for freedom, even in the most difficult circumstances. Watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/emPhe_-J

Ten years ago today, the Kremlin declared NED an “undesirable organization” under legislation aimed at silencing international support for Russian civic groups. NED was the first organization to receive this designation—a label intended to criminalize ties between Russian citizens and their democratic allies abroad. Today, NED marks the tenth anniversary of this designation, reaffirming our commitment to Russian civic groups pursuing freedom and democracy. As new challenges arise—from transnational repression to shrinking civic space worldwide—the lessons of the past decade will continue to guide the Endowment’s work: where others build walls, NED builds bridges. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eZJtxstG

Today, Rosa Maria Payá Acevedo will accept the 2025 Democracy Service Medal on behalf of her father, Oswaldo Payá, one of Cuba’s most courageous voices for democratic change. A fearless leader in her own right, Rosa María is the founder of Cuba Decide and a globally recognized human rights defender. She has galvanized Cubans at home and in exile in the pursuit of freedom, bringing Cuba’s struggle for democracy to the world stage.   In 2025, she made history as the first Cuban national elected to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Her tireless advocacy ensures that the legacy of her father—and the hopes of millions—remain alive.   As the Cuban people face worsening hardship and rising authoritarianism, voices like Rosa María’s are both a moral force and a strategic counterweight to tyranny. #DemocracyServiceMedal 

NED’s Democracy Service Medal honors individuals whose personal courage has advanced freedom, human rights, and democracy around the world. Since 1999, the medal has recognized leaders such as the Dalai Lama, President Tsai Ing-wen, and, in 2024, U.S. congressional leaders Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi. Today, July 22, NED will posthumously award the 2025 Democracy Service Medal to Oswaldo Payá, one of Cuba’s most inspiring voices for freedom. Payá’s unwavering advocacy for democratic change in Cuba—and his ultimate sacrifice—continue to inspire movements for freedom today. Accepting the medal on his behalf are his wife, Ofelia Acevedo, and daughter, Rosa Maria Payá, who carry forward his legacy with courage and conviction.

Tomorrow, the National Endowment for Democracy will posthumously award the 2025 Democracy Service Medal to Oswaldo Payá—one of Cuba’s most courageous and visionary advocates for peaceful democratic change. A devout Catholic and founder of the Christian Liberation Movement, Payá championed nonviolent resistance to authoritarianism. His boldest initiative—the Varela Project—mobilized over 25,000 Cubans to demand free elections and fundamental rights, posing the greatest peaceful challenge to the regime in decades. Despite international recognition, including the 2002 Sakharov Prize, Payá faced constant threats. He was killed in 2012 under circumstances later ruled by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights as state-orchestrated violence. Accepting the award on his behalf are his wife, Ofelia Acevedo, and daughter, Rosa Maria Payá, who continue his legacy through Cuba Decide and the ongoing struggle for freedom.

Tomorrow, July 22, the National Endowment for Democracy will posthumously honor one of Cuba’s most inspiring voices for freedom: Oswaldo Payá. Under one of the world’s most repressive regimes, he mobilized thousands to demand democratic elections and fundamental rights—proving that the human spirit will always yearn for freedom. By awarding him NED’s 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal, we recognize his courage, his sacrifice, and the legacy carried forward by his family and the Cuban people. Stay tuned as we commemorate Oswaldo Payá’s extraordinary legacy.

Explore how the PRC is weaponizing AI to censor, surveil, and troll in our upcoming China Salon event on emergent digital repression.    As the People’s Republic of China accelerates its AI development, Beijing is equipping itself with powerful tools to expand repression at home and project influence abroad. This timely discussion will examine the PRC’s authoritarian approach to AI and what can be done to safeguard digital freedom—especially freedom of expression and access to information worldwide. This virtual event will feature:  - Damon Wilson, President & CEO, National Endowment for Democracy  - Qiang Xiao Qiang, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, China Digital Times  - David Lin, Senior Director for Platforms, Special Competitive Studies Project - SCSP Studies Project  - Beth Kerley, Senior Program Officer, International Forum for Democratic Studies (Moderator)    📅 July 17, 2025  🕚 11:00–12:15 PM ET  🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e2aQM6as