In his address at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken expressed gratitude to President Yoon and Foreign Minister Cho for hosting the Third Summit for Democracy. He highlighted the symbolic significance of holding the summit in Korea, a nation that has swiftly transformed into a leading democracy.
Secretary Blinken thanked partner nations, including the United Kingdom and Ecuador, for their participation in advancing the Summit for Democracy’s goals. He emphasised the shared belief among attendees that democracy is instrumental in unlocking human potential and achieving prosperity for all.
Reflecting on the global democratic landscape, Blinken noted challenges such as democratic backsliding and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. However, he highlighted the progress made through the Summit for Democracy initiative, with over 100 governments committing to strengthening democratic institutions and addressing common threats.
An independent and empowered press is a cornerstone for healthy democracies. pic.twitter.com/kl07bA0BYt
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 18, 2024
Examples of concrete actions taken by participating countries were underscored, including efforts to combat corruption, promote free and fair elections, protect independent media, and uphold human rights. Moreover, Blinken emphasised the importance of involving non-governmental actors in democracy promotion.
In his address, Secretary Blinken reiterated President Biden’s commitment to defending democracy as a cornerstone of American foreign policy. He stressed the need for democracies to adapt and respond to contemporary challenges, including climate change, inclusive economic growth, and social justice.
The role of technology in either supporting or undermining democratic values was also addressed, with a call for ensuring that technological advancements align with democratic principles.
Secretary Blinken concluded by highlighting the collective effort required to safeguard democracy, emphasising the importance of collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector.
He expressed optimism that the shared commitment demonstrated at the summit would enable democracies to meet the challenges of the present moment.
