BY KATIE LAROQUE | In 2022, democracy declined globally for the 17th consecutive year—according to the latest edition of “Freedom in the World,” Freedom House’s annual report on political rights and civil liberties across the globe.
But there is also reason to hope: The gap between the number of countries that experienced declines and those that experienced gains was the narrowest it has been since the 17 years of global deterioration started, suggesting we could be at a turning point.
That’s why this week’s second Summit for Democracy could not come at a more critical time.
Led by the United States, the Netherlands, Zambia, South Korea and Costa Rica, this meeting of leaders from more than 100 governments provides a global policy stage to build stronger democratic alliances and double down on commitments to address the summit’s three themes: respect for human rights, combatting corruption, and countering authoritarianism. This is a critically important time to strengthen commitments to democracy, not just by supporting drivers of democratic change in countries that aren’t free, but also committing to reform in our home countries.
In the run-up to the summit, three groups—Freedom House, the Bush Center and the McCain Institute—led a coalition of organizations in drafting a Declaration of Democratic Principles. It outlines wide-ranging, actionable recommendations for advancing democracy and countering authoritarianism. More than 90 organizations have signed, including Ms.
The declaration presents 14 core principles that all democratic governments should live up to. Among them are several that promote inclusive policymaking—including by giving citizens a greater voice in government, promoting youth involvement in democratic processes, and supporting gender equality and policies that encourage women’s political participation. Recognizing that all democracies are a work in progress, the declaration states that we must hold one another accountable in pursuit of these principles and work together to reinforce shared ideals and confront common threats.
The 14 principles and associated actions in the declaration will be presented during the official summit programming to provide a roadmap for policymakers to fight back against dictators working to extinguish calls for freedom around the world.
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