Fact Sheet Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Washington, DC October 22, 2002 Fact Sheet: Investing for Peace and Prosperity
Promoting Universal Democratic Values The Community provides a singular forum through which established and emerging democracies can support and learn from each other, exchange best practices, and develop a shared identity based on common values and interests. Nations committed to human rights and democratic principles share fundamental values, including the inherent dignity of man and peaceful resolution of disputes. They offer the best hope for advancing sustainable development and a peaceful world and for eliminating the breeding grounds for terrorism. Transparent, participatory and accountable systems of democratic governance are integral to free markets, and the surest path to enterprise, opportunity and prosperity. An educated public, endowed with democratic and human rights, is essential for development. Warsaw Declaration The Community also agreed to step up international cooperation in key areas: strengthen support for democracy within international organizations, share best practices, respond to threats to democracy and improve coordination of democracy assistance. Emphasizing the interdependence between peace, democracy, human rights and development, the Community noted the economic and social dimensions of democracy, including elimination of poverty and equal participation of women. It also called on governments to take steps to combat corruption, which corrodes democracy. Seoul Ministerial The Community of Democracies Convening Group acts as a steering group and coordinator for the ministerial meetings. The Convening Group includes the U.S., Chile, Mexico, South Korea, India, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Mali and South Africa. 118 nations have been invited as participants and 21 others as observers. Secretary of State Colin Powell will head the U.S. delegation. The U.S. and Poland will co-host one of four roundtables at Seoul, on consolidating democratic institutions. Other roundtables will address regional cooperation to promote democracy, the media and democracy, and coordinating international assistance. The Seoul conference, as in Warsaw, will include a parallel meeting of non-governmental organizations and civil society representatives from many nations, democratic and undemocratic, who will explore ways to strengthen civil society throughout the world. Organizations which have expressed a commitment to supporting human rights, the rule of law and democratic governance and which will participate in the Seoul ministerial include the Organization of American States, European Union, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Council of Europe and the African Union. The U.S. is working closely with our partners from all regions to ensure that the Seoul Ministerial conference develops a practical results-oriented plan of action and broadens global understanding of democracy. When nations work together to foster democratic values and institutions, they enhance mutual cooperation, security and prosperity. Advancing Democracy and Human Rights Worldwide
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