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Building the World Movement for DemocracyInaugural World AssemblyFebruary 14-17, 1999 New Delhi, India Greetings 
"I believe that in order to build a worldwide movement for democracy, we must all have a firm conviction in acknowledging the universality of the key ethical and political values that underlie democracy. Recognition of and respect for basic human rights, freedom of speech, the equality of all human beings, and the rule of law must be seen not merely as aspirations but as necessary conditions of a civilized society."~ The Dalai Lama
"This is the reason why you have been invited and this is also the goal that has brought you here: the fostering of democracy and the advancement of democratic values throughout the world." ~ Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President, Brazil
"Bringing together activists, parliamentarians, business leaders, scholars and others committed to the cause of freedom and democracy is an excellent idea." ~ Tony Blair, Prime Minister, United Kingdom "I wish to pay my respect to the organizers for taking the initiative of holding this assembly where lively discussion among NGOs, scholars and elected officials from many areas of the world will be held." ~ Keizo Obuchi, Prime Minister, Japan "The fight for freedom and democracy has been a distinctive sign of the last decades. Chile has been part of this process, in receiving the assistance and solidarity of dozens of countries and hundreds of organizations which support our democracy." ~ Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, President, Chile "It is encouraging that this assembly has established a mechanism to foster confidence through dialogue between the countries of the whole world." ~ Lennart Meri, President, Estonia "The debut of the World Movement for Democracy represents the birth of a "democratic community" in the world, wherein freedom- and peace-loving people join forces in the pursuit of realizing democratization on a global scale." ~ Lee Teng-hui, President, Republic of China "While we find promise in the dawning of new democracies, we are also aware of the fragile nature of this form of government and the need to secure its place in both political institutions and the hearts and minds of people." ~ Jean Chretien, Prime Minister, Canada 
"This universal process of democratization is far from complete...It is fundamental that the world's democrats strengthen their relationships and solidarity." ~ Mario Soares, former President, Portugal
"Through this noble effort to create an alliance that will bring together the accumulated knowledge and experience of democrats around the world, I hope that the democrats who remain in isolation will soon have the resources to overcome their oppressors." ~ Vaclav Havel, President, the Czech Republic
"I hope that the immense efforts of the new democratic alliance will broaden and deepen the cooperation among the world's countries." ~ Guntis Ulmanis, President, Latvia "I should like to express my satisfaction that such an initiative has been launched to bring together people sharing the ideals of freedom and universal human rights as well as the desire to support efforts in their behalf." ~ Jerzy Buzek, Prime Minister, Poland "In an international scenario marked by the globalization of markets and information, I believe it is paramount to enlighten the universal principles of democracy from which our societies derive inspiration in their search for an ever deeper and articulated cooperation: the challenges posed by technological progress must be taken up together through a co-ordination of efforts and views." ~ Massimo D'Alema, Prime Minister, Italy "The building of democracy depends for the most part on mobilization of the civil society. To this end, the non-governmental organizations play a fundamental role." ~ Jacques Chirac, President, France "A particular responsibility falls on those countries with established and successful democratic structures -- among which I am proud to include Australia -- to assist other nations trying to improve governance and promote democracy." ~ John Howard, Prime Minister, Australia "This forum offers an excellent venue for promoting the open exchange of ideas and for strengthening the bonds of solidarity between activists, academics, political and business leaders who believe in democracy and stand for it." ~ Miguel Angel Rodriguez, President, Costa Rica 
"It is fitting that you meet in the capital of the world's largest democracy where freedom has empowered people of so many different backgrounds to shape a more tolerant and inclusive society -- an effort that is as important today as ever.
I applaud the conference goal of strengthening ties across the globe among men and women committed to enhancing democracy. We have an unprecedented opportunity now to build a better and more democratic world with the spread of information and technology that challenges tyrants who seek to stifle the message of freedom. We must seize this moment. Spreading and deepening democracy will improve people's lives. As all of you understand, free and fair elections are essential but are not the only test of a just society. In every nation we must work harder for free speech and human rights; for honest government and fair justice; for equal opportunity and stronger civil society. In a global market place of the 21st century, where investors and entrepreneurs have a wide range of choices and nations' economic strength will depend increasingly on openness and fair administration of government, only governments that answer to citizens and earn their trust will be able to rally support for tough economic measures when they are necessary. Strengthening democracy will improve prospects for peace. Look around the world today and it's plain that nations that pose the greatest threat to their neighbors are those that curtail freedom at home. Democracy does not belong to any one culture or region. It derives from the universal learning of people to be free and to determine their own destinies. When it comes to making democracy work for people, no nation has a monopoly on wisdom. We all must learn from each other, relying on our collective skills and experience, to find the best solutions. That's why this Assembly is so important." ~ Bill Clinton, President, United States from videotaped remarks 
"It is a great honor for India to host you all. We are happy that you have chosen our country for holding this, the first ever global conference on democracy.
In the lexicon of man, there is not a more powerful idea than democracy. No other system guarantees simultaneously both individual freedom and collective good, thereby realizing one of the highest principles of civilized life: "Each for all, and all for each." In man's quest for dignity and better life, many "isms" have been tried. None has matched democracy in its universality, simplicity, and transparency. None will. For us in India, democracy is more than a system of governance ~ it is a moral order. The Dharma Chakra, or the Wheel of Law, that you see emblazoned on our national flag is more than two thousand years old. It continues to give expression to an ancient democratic tradition that has renewed itself through the vicissitudes of history, assimilating the best of the many traditions that joined our national mainstream. One of the great achievements of the 20th century lies in the spread and acceptance of democracy almost universally. And where it is not attained, or attained only partially, the idea that beckons most powerfully is the goal of democracy. Even as we celebrate the global march of democracy, all of us are acutely aware of the shortcomings and problems that still bedevil it. Democracy, which rests on the axiom that all men are equal, cannot deliver on its promise in a system plagued by glaring social and economic inequalities. Poverty is a threat to democracy. Therefore, one of the greatest challenges before mankind in the 21st century is the advancement of the agenda of economic democracy for all citizens, for all races and communities, and for all nations on earth. This has become all the more urgent in the era of globalization, when the gulf between the rich and the poor is widening. India has been persistently advocating the cause of democracy globally. I express my confidence that your deliberations will deepen the global debate on how to realize the dream of democracy for all the denizens of the world in the early part of the next century." ~ Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minister, India from videotaped remarks |
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