2009 Asian Roundtable Discusses Impact of Global Economic Crisis on Democracy in Asia

On April 30 and May 1, a group of more than 50 civil society leaders from 17 countries met in Jakarta, jointly organized by YAPPIKA (Civil Society Alliance for Democracy in Indonesia) and the World Forum for Democratization in Asia, to prepare for the 2009 Ministerial of the Community of Democracies in Lisbon, Portugal. The meeting focused on the theme of the upcoming Ministerial, discussing the impact of the global economic crisis on democracy in Asia, as well as considering options that could make the Community of Democracies (CD) a more effective actor in the support of democracy around the world.

The roundtable developed a series of recommendations to the member countries of the Community of Democracies. The first set of recommendations focused on ensuring that responses to the crisis protect democratic values, including: promoting transparency and measures against corruption in the implementation of economic stimulus packages; increasing the voice of the CD in global financial institutions such as the IMF and G-20; respecting the impact that economic reforms have on the capacity of civil society; and protecting the rights of workers who are at risk as a result of the crisis.

The second set of recommendations focused on measures to strengthen the CD as an international actor. The participants noted that the principles and goals set forth in successive Ministerial Declarations of the CD "have by no means ceased to exist as a result of the crisis; on the contrary, the need to reaffirm basic democratic principles and to enhance the effectiveness of democratic governance is all the more urgent." The recommendations urged the CD to institute a number of concrete reforms, including the establishment of CD missions to assist countries at critical stages in democratic transitions or facing threats to their democracy; enhancing the role of the CD Permanent Secretariat, especially in partnership with civil society; and strengthening the UN Democracy Caucus by organizing more regular meetings and rallying members on issues such as support for democracy in the UN Human Rights Council. Other means for strengthening the CD, such as organizing regional caucuses of the CD, establishing mechanisms for implementing CD resolutions at the national level, promoting effective education for democracy, and engaging with political parties were proposed in the final statement issued by the roundtable.

CCD President Robert LaGamma delivered the keynote address at the opening of the meeting. Crediting the efforts of civil society in overcoming perceived obstacles to democracy in Asia, Mr. LaGamma praised those present "who work, sometimes against heavy odds, for your courage and tenacity and for your vision in striving to give people everywhere the greatest of gifts, the gift of freedom."

Downloads and Links

Prepared Remarks by CCD President Robert LaGamma

Community of Democracies Non-Governmental Process Asia Roundtable: Recommendations for the Lisbon Ministerial

Press Release: On eve of ADB meeting, Asian Civil Society Calls on Governments to Affirm Importance of Democracy in Addressing Crisis