TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Biden to hold two "Summits for Democracy," first one planned in December
The first "Summit for Democracy" will take place virtually for two days from Dec. 9, followed by a second, in-person summit in roughly a year's time, according to the US government. It was not immediately clear which countries will be invited to the meetings.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
US President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on April 28, 2021. (AFP/Melina Mara/Pool)
P
resident Joe Biden said Wednesday he will convene the first of two meetings of the leaders of the world's democracies in December as he rallies US allies and like-minded countries to counter autocracies such as China.
The first "Summit for Democracy" will take place virtually for two days from Dec. 9, followed by a second, in-person summit in roughly a year's time, according to the US government. It was not immediately clear which countries will be invited to the meetings.
"Democracies have to come together -- to rejuvenate and improve our open, rights-respecting societies from within; to stand together in defending against threats from autocracies; and to show we can address the most pressing crises of our time," the State Department said on a website providing information about the two summits.
The December meeting is aimed at galvanizing commitments and initiatives across three principal themes -- defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption and promoting respect for human rights, the government said.
Progress made toward fulfilling commitments will be showcased at the second meeting, which will be held in an in-person format if public health conditions permit, it said, apparently with the coronavirus pandemic in mind.
The Biden administration views democracies as in a race with autocracies such as China and Russia that are seeking to undermine international rules while claiming their models are better at delivering for people.
The summits will also be joined by leaders from civil society and the private sector, according to the US government.
