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Fifth annual global forum on democracy opens in Bali

The fifth edition of the annual Bali Democracy Forum opens Thursday to discuss the promotion of democratic principles and values at the global level after four years of exploring and identifying common principles to promote democracy at a national level in the Asia-Pacific region

Desy Nurhayati and Novan Iman Santosa (The Jakarta Post)
Nusa Dua
Thu, November 8, 2012

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Fifth annual global forum on democracy opens in Bali

T

he fifth edition of the annual Bali Democracy Forum opens Thursday to discuss the promotion of democratic principles and values at the global level after four years of exploring and identifying common principles to promote democracy at a national level in the Asia-Pacific region.

Under the theme “Advancing Democratic Principles at the Global Setting”, this year’s forum discusses approaches to integrating democratic principles into global governance to promote peace and security, economic development and universal enjoyment of human rights.

As one of the leading countries on this issue, Indonesia will ask for commitments from other countries to improving global governance, said Ketut Putra Erawan, executive director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy (IPD) at Udayana University.

“The forum this year spreading understanding among countries on how important the Asia-Pacific region is as the center of gravity of the current global dynamic, and to strengthen the foundation of democracy by optimizing existing institutions, like ASEAN, and South-South cooperation,” Erawan told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

“Every country has the same voice and the aspiration to be respected. If not, rich and powerful countries will rule. That’s not the way we want to see the new Asia-Pacific.”

IPD is the implementing agency for programs adopted by the Bali Democracy Forum.

Ahead of this year’s two-day forum, IPD launched a three-day workshop on Sunday on “Constitutional Reform and Constitution Building” involving Egyptian and Indonesian participants.

Democratic global governance was needed to provide a conducive environment for building democracy at a national level, while sound and democratic global governance could only be achieved and sustained if there was an established pattern of democratic behavior, Erawan said.

“However, the current system of global governance needs a major adjustment in line with changing global situations, especially growing demand for democracy.”

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the fifth forum with 11 heads of states or government from scheduled to be in attendance.

Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Agus Suhartono, however, said that three heads of states had canceled, possibly due to domestic problems, Antara news agency reported. Agus did not reveal which leaders had backed out.

Yudhoyono will act as the forum’s chair together with co-chairs South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The co-chairs will deliver their remarks after Yudhoyono’s opening statement.

After the opening session, Yudhoyono is set to chair the first general debate together with Lee, and the second general debate with Gillard. Each general debate features presentations from five leaders of their views and opinions.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa will chair the third and fourth general debate sessions with ministers or deputy ministers.

The forum’s second day will see three interactive sessions. Former Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda will lead the first session on “How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to International Peace and Security”.

Dewi Fortuna Anwar will serve as the facilitator for the second session, “How Democratic Governance Contributes to Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights”.

The last interactive session, “How Democratic Governance Contributes to Economic Development”, will be led by Deputy Finance Minister Mahendra Siregar and will conclude the forum.

Among discussion points, the forum is expected to address are the importance of democratic values, including inclusiveness, participation in and significant contributions to promoting international peace and security, economic development and the protection and promotion of human rights, in the wake
of democratic transitions around the world.

“Reforms at the global level must strive toward decision-making processes that are more inclusive, representative and democratic,” Erawan said.

Heads of states/governments scheduled to attend the forum

1. Afghanistan: President Hamid Karzai.
2. Australia: Prime Minister Julia Gillard
3. Brunei Darussalam: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
4. Timor Leste: Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao
5. Iran: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
6. Nepal: Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha
7. Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Peter O’Neill
8. Singapore: Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean
9. South Korea: President Lee Myung-bak
10. Thailand: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra
11. Turkey: Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Other dignitaries:

1. UN Human Rights Commissioner Navanethem Pillay
2. US Congressman Jim McDermott
3. EU observer
4. Foreign ministers from about 20 countries

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