The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

NDI has conducted programs to encourage democratic development in Lebanon since 1996. In 2001, NDI opened an office in Beirut with the central goal of helping Lebanese citizens become actively engaged in influencing the decisions and policies that affect their lives, often through civil society organizations and coalitions. Programming has focused on strengthening the electoral process, enhancing the role of women and youth in political life, developing tools to gauge public opinion, providing effective citizenship education, and assisting civil society as they become more influential advocates at the policy level.