UN Democracy Fund Holds First Meeting

An Iranian votes in presidential elections in 2005 (file photo) (epa) March 6, 2006 -- The United Nations Democracy Fund has held its inaugural meeting, and pledged $41 million to fund projects worldwide.

The project was launched by world leaders last year to strengthen democratic institutions. It plans to support the drafting of constitutions, the development of a pluralistic media, and to help able people exercise their rights.

Its 17-member advisory board, which met at UN headquarters in New York on March 6, includes the United States as the biggest contributor, as well as Germany, France, Australia, India, Qatar, Chile, Hungary, Indonesia, and South Africa.

(dpa)