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Confronting the Challenges to Democracy in the 21st CenturySecond World AssemblyNovember 12-15, 2000 São Paulo, Brazil
Greetings From Around the WorldTony BlairPrime Minister, United Kingdom The World Movement for Democracy is an initiative that truly meets the challenges of the new Millennium... By bringing together scholars and activists, along with parliamentarians and government officials, the Movement underlines the popular participation in governance that lies at the heart of true democracy. (more) Vaclav Havel President, Czech Republic I am glad that democracy and democratic values have become the most important elements of this global twentieth century, and I believe that they will also become an inseparable part of the century to come... It is our common responsibility to engage in strengthening democracy everywhere there is the need. (more) Chen Shui-bian President, Taiwan As we cherish the fruits of our nation's political accomplishments, we must also affirm our commitment to the promotion of human rights and democracy around the world. Therefore, I would also like to take this unique opportunity to announce my intention to found a democracy support foundation in Taiwan. This is out of recognition of the significance of all the international democracy activists and institutions that have extended unwavering support to Taiwan's democratic movement over the years. (more) Ricardo Lagos President, Chile You are reuniting in São Paulo at a special time for democracy in this region. Dictatorships and authoritarian processes are left behind. We are winning democracy, we have presidents and democratically elected governments. But, without question, there is still much to be realized: how to strengthen political parties, how to provide space for nongovernmental organizations, how to achieve the participation of civil society. Bill Clinton President, United States Many of you have come from nations that have felt the pain of conflict and economic distress. Yet you, too, have never stopped working for accountable government. You teach us that democracy is not a luxury we can afford only when times are good, but a necessity we must cherish especially when times are hard. (more) John Winston Howard Prime Minister, Australia In considering measures to meet the challenges to democracy in the 21st Century, those of you gathered in São Paulo are undertaking an invaluable task. Your discussion recognizes that a transition to democracy is much more than an overnight phenomenon and that democracy should never be taken for granted. (more) Kim Dae-Jung President, Republic of Korea Democracy is a universal value that cannot be compared with anything else... There are still people in many countries without basic human rights, political freedom, access to information, and freedom of expression... We need to continue helping developing countries until they are able to take part in the era of technology and information. (more) Miguel Angel Rodríguez Echeverria President, Costa Rica Nothing strengthens the democratic system more than a single individual committing him- or herself to making democracy an absolute, indispensable, and natural part of the daily life of a community. Olusegun Obasanjo President, Nigeria In order to consolidate nascent democracies such as ours, much effort is still required to develop democratic awareness at the grassroots level. It is this awareness that will ultimately protect the society against any tendency towards bad governance. (more) His Holiness the Dalai Lama Tibet Modern democracy is based on the principle, that all human beings are essentially equal, that each of us has an equal right to life, liberty, and happiness. Irrespective of the superficial differences between us, each of us is just a human being like everyone else... Let us take steps now to ensure that this century will be characterized by non-violence and dialogue, the preconditions of peaceful coexistence. (more) Jan Weijers Secretary General, Liberal International Democracy is a universal, inalienable right. There is no excuse not to grant people their political and civil rights. Neither desire for economic development nor for stability can be an excuse for oppression. (more) Rt. Hon. William Hague Chairman, International Democrat Union In our countries, political activists play an important role in civil society... Our activists bring civic pride and a sense of responsibility. They want their institutions to be open and responsive. They are one of the key ingredients for a successful and stable state. (more) |
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