Strengthening and Safeguarding Democracy

Four ways Summit for Democracy participants are demonstrating progress on their country commitments

USAID knows that free and democratic societies have healthier populations, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities — and through our democratic assistance, we aim to demonstrate the value of democracy and how it can deliver for all people.

World leaders are expected to showcase progress made on their commitments to build more resilient democracies; announce new commitments and initiatives to build on that momentum; and underscore the effectiveness of collective action in tackling the most pressing challenges of our time. The Summit will also provide an opportunity for civil society, philanthropies, and the private sector to demonstrate their leadership in building resilient democracies in their own countries and globally.

Africa’s youth population, which was also celebrated in the declaration, is eager to participate in democratic governance. Through continued citizen engagement and efforts to renew democracy, those youth — along with women and other marginalized groups on the continent — will have the opportunity to participate in the peaceful and orderly renewals of political leadership and contribute their voices in local government.

Collectively, these commitments have positioned Botswana as one of the champions of democracy in Africa.

2.USAID believes a free internet is open, interoperable, secure, and reliable. It is an ecosystem in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are exercised freely and ideas can be exchanged.

Unfortunately, this is not the internet that all people around the world experience — journalists, activists, academics, and others face substantial risks online, while at the same time some governments are creating policies that violate the basic fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and association online. Additionally, millions face barriers to access.

During the roundtables, diverse representatives from the government, donor agencies, civil society organizations, and youth discussed prioritizing inclusive participation of young people in programs at all levels of the government, as well as civic boards, and more peer-to-peer interactions.

Nepal has also co-led the Youth Cohort on Civic and Political Participation, of which Bikal is also a member, alongside the European Commission and the Government of Ghana to ensure and amplify the voices of youth. This cohort, launched as part of the Year of Action, has put together a list of preliminary commitments focused on youth political and civic participation and engagement, and sponsored events.

At the public signing ceremony, President Abinader announced that after waiting more than 12 years for a civil asset forfeiture law to be passed, “the hopes and demands of the Dominican people have been met, and they are embodied in this law … what until now has illicitly lined the pockets of a few will return to the pockets of its legitimate owners: the Dominican people. In this country, whoever [commits a crime] pays for it, and whoever steals, will return what was stolen. It’s that simple.”

Jessica Benton Cooney is the Senior Communication and Outreach Specialist for USAID’s Center for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance.

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