Biden invites Chakwera to democracy summit
By Deogratias Mmana:
The United States (US) President Joseph Biden has invited President Lazarus Chakwera to a democracy summit to take place from December 9 to 10 this year.
Chakwera will participate in summit activities virtually.
The US chargé d’affaires to Malawi Jeremey Neitzke extended the invitation to Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday.
Neitzke said participating countries would make commitments in their fight against corruption and promotion of democracy. He said there would be about 17 countries that would participate.
“The Summit for Democracy will serve as a rallying point for democracies to demonstrate that they can deliver for their people. Participating governments will announce meaningful, ambitious but realistic and concrete public commitments and initiatives before, during and after the event,” he said.
According to a statement from the US Embassy in Malawi, the summit has three principal themes: Defending against authoritarianism; fighting corruption, and; promoting respect for human rights.
“It will present an opportunity to learn, engage, listen and speak honestly about the challenges facing democracy and to work together with likeminded governments, civil society and private sector on meaningful new commitments and initiatives,” the statement reads.
The statement adds that the Summit for Democracy reflects Biden’s belief that, to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, democracies must come together, learn together, stand together and act together.
“For the first time in two decades, more people live under authoritarian rule than democratic governance, yet history and overwhelming data indicate that societies that respect and defend democratic institutions, the rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental freedoms are more stable, prosperous, secure and are better equipped to confront global challenges,” the statement reads.
The December summit will be followed, approximately one year later, by what will be an in-person summit, in which participants will take stock of progress made toward pledges and commit to additional actions needed to shore up democracies.
In between these events, participating countries will work together to fulfill their commitments and develop new pledges and initiatives that can be announced at the second summit.
The input and experience of activists, advocates, philanthropic community and other members of civil society will be critical to a successful summit as they are essential to transparent, equitable and responsive governance.
