History

It was 1995. Just a few years earlier, the walls in Eastern Europe had fallen, borders had opened, and democracy had begun to take root in countries where it had long been absent. At the same time, the apartheid regime in South Africa had been overthrown, and the country was taking its first steps as a free and equal democracy. In this time of transition, a strong commitment emerged within the Christian Democrats, especially among youth and women, to contribute to the development of these new democracies. In the beginning, the work was carried out within the party, as a committee with limited resources.

The Christian Democratic Youth League and the Women’s League took the lead in establishing contacts with sister parties in the Baltics, Poland, and Russia. But as needs grew and the development landscape changed, it became clear that a more long-term and professional structure was required. The realization grew that the work would benefit from being able to apply broadly for funding, including from Sida, and from building its own identity. It was at this stage that KIC began to take shape.

The Christian Democratic International Center (KIC) was founded in 2005, succeeding the Christian Democrats’ Council for Democracy and Development (KrDU).
We emerged from a conviction that Swedish party-based solidarity could play a greater role—but in a new way. That democracy is not only about ideology. From primarily supporting sister parties, the mission expanded to include methods development, training initiatives, and capacity building in regions where democracy was still young. The goal was to identify courageous political leaders who could carry the future of democracy in their countries.

KIC did not hesitate when faced with challenges; networks were built in Belarus, Georgia, Cuba and countries in East Africa. It was not about quick wins but about long-term presence. This was work where risks were not theoretical—they were part of reality. Partner organizations could face imprisonment or disappear. But there were also those who, through the support, grew into strong agents of change. KIC became an actor in its own right, with competence and courage in complex environments. At the same time, the Christian Democratic heritage remained a foundation.

The driving force has endured over the years: to be a voice for those who seek change, a link between grassroots engagement and global cooperation. Training local politicians, strengthening women, and giving young people the tools to participate in building society has become one of KIC’s most important tasks—and a complement to larger development actors.