The International Democrat Union (IDU) is the global working association of more than 80 Conservative, Christian Democrat and like-minded political parties of the centre and centre right.  Founded in 1983, the IDU provides a forum in which Parties holding similar beliefs can come together and exchange views of matters of policy and organisational interest, to learn from each other, act together, establish contacts and speak with one strong voice to promote democracy and centre-right policies around the globe. Founder Members of the IDU included Britain’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, then US Vice-President George Bush Sr, Paris Mayor and later President of France Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl and several other Party Leaders.