Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development

The Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development (FDSD) was a UK-based nonprofit organisation registered under charity number 1101302. Founded initially as the Environment Foundation in 1983, FDSD operated from 2009 until 2025 with a focus on the interplay between democratic governance and sustainable development.

FDSD’s core mission was to explore and address the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of democracy and sustainability. It aimed to resolve tensions between liberal democratic systems and the pressing need to create environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive societies that promote well-being for all current and future generations. Central to its philosophy was the belief that participation is fundamental to both democracy and sustainable development, emphasizing inclusive decision-making processes involving all people in shaping societal goals.

Throughout its operational years, the Foundation engaged in research, advocacy, and partnership-building to promote democratic reform and intergenerational justice. It worked to rethink political life and governance approaches in the context of long-term sustainability challenges, advocating for systems that are capable of adapting to both ecological limits and democratic values.

In 2025, the Foundation for Democracy and Sustainable Development transitioned its work to the School of International Futures (SOIF), continuing its legacy by hosting fellowships in democracy and sustainable development under SOIF’s auspices. The FDSD web archive remains available as a resource that documents the organisation’s achievements and outlines ongoing challenges in securing democratic and sustainable futures.

The charity's objects primarily focused on the promotion of sustainable development for the public benefit, highlighting its commitment to environmental integrity and social equity as intertwined goals.

Overall, FDSD made significant contributions to thought leadership and practical initiatives aimed at harmonizing democratic governance with the principles of sustainable development during its more than four decades of existence.

[1] https://fdsd.org [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3964490 [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/04869004 [4] https://securesustain.org/abstract/foundation-for-democracy-and-sustainable-development/ [5] https://www.wfd.org