The East-West Management Institute works to strengthen democratic societies by bringing together government, civil society, and the private sector – to build accountable, capable and transparent institutions. Founded in 1988, as a not-for-profit organization, EWMI's work began the year before the wall came down, with the challenge of crafting functioning democratic systems in transitioning post-soviet societies. We learned – in our initial work across central and Eastern Europe, and in the decades that followed around the world – that a collaborative approach involving civil society, government and the private sector is the key to ensuring that citizens exercise their rights, and institutions are accountable for protecting them.EWMI addresses complex challenges with practical, cross-cutting solutions. EWMI specializes in targeted, locally relevant initiatives that foster partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration, from assisting the state and local advocates in policy creation and reform to engaging in court administration, local economic development and technical support to civil society. EWMI does not offer off-the-shelf or cookie cutter solutions to these issues, because it appreciates from experience that each local context is unique.EWMI's success is based on over 25 years of pragmatic field experience in over 30 countries. EWMI's dedicated multi-lingual, multi-cultural staff works with local partners to craft appropriate solutions for their unique situations.