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Our vision

People and communities enjoy more just, prosperous, and peaceful lives.

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Our mission

EWMI breaks down the barriers that prevent people and communities from living in just, prosperous, and peaceful societies. Around the world, civic space is shrinking, governments often fail to serve the vulnerable, and rapid technological changes can threaten human rights. EWMI bridges these gaps by working with local partners to strengthen the rule of law, defend civic freedoms, and ensure that governance, justice, and technology work for the people—not against them.

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Our values

Commitment to local partners. We are driven by a passionate commitment to our local partners. Through respectful dialogues and exchanges we help them become resilient advocates for progress, justice and sustainable growth.

Commitment to human rights. We believe that ensuring respect for and protection of fundamental human rights and democratic principles is crucial to promoting peace and prosperity across all sectors and communities.

Commitment to responsible stewardship and building trust. We are committed to serving as a trusted and responsive convener and intermediary for partners and funders.

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Our story

Since 1988, the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) has partnered with people and organizations around the world to help build societies where justice, opportunity, and dignity are within everyone’s reach. Headquartered in New York City, EWMI brings together an international team of development professionals and local experts with deep experience in strengthening civil society, advancing the rule of law, and protecting fundamental rights. Our work has been supported by USAID, the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, and leading private foundations—reflecting decades of trust in EWMI’s integrity, expertise, and long-term commitment to local partners.

At a time when civic space is shrinking, inequality is widening, and technology is reshaping the landscape of rights, EWMI’s approach continues to evolve. What has remained constant, however, is our belief that sustainable progress happens only when solutions are driven by the people closest to the challenges. For this reason, we prioritize partnership; and we work alongside civil society organizations, legal advocates, Indigenous communities, youth leaders, journalists, technologists, and public institutions to co-design approaches that respond to local realities.

These collaborations take many different forms. In one community, EWMI’s support helps young activists organize their neighbors to protect their land and secure fair access to public services. In another, EWMI backs legal aid lawyers who represent people long excluded from justice systems that were never designed for them. And in yet another, EWMI helps build the capacity of Indigenous women to shape water governance in their communities, ensuring their voices guide decisions that affect their futures.

Over the years, we have supported more than 1,000 civil society organizations, provided nearly $145 million in grants, and helped launch transformative initiatives that have improved public services, enhanced government accountability, reduced wrongful detention, expanded digital equity, and protected citizens’ rights in the face of rapid technological change.

Our strength lies in the way we combine global expertise with local leadership, pairing rigorous technical support with deep respect for context, culture, and community priorities. We serve not only as a technical resource, but as a trusted bridge—connecting local advocates with donors, mobilizing networks, and stewarding resources responsibly so that every contribution has a meaningful impact.

As the international development landscape continues to shift, EWMI remains steadfast in its commitment to the people and partners who are shaping more just and inclusive futures. We invite you to join us—to amplify local voices, advance justice where it is needed most, and help inspire progress that endures.

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Our work