In recent years, the momentum for democratization in Asia appears to have slowed significantly. Several countries experienced setbacks even before the global economic crisis began. Since the crisis, doubts about the effectiveness of democracy in providing economic performance have emerged in many societies. Moreover, the leading democracies outside the region have noticeably reduced their support for democratization in Asia, both in rhetoric and in budgetary support for related aid programs.
In this context, Asians urgently need to reaffirm the values of democracy in addressing the basic needs of the people and reassert their commitment to uphold democratic principles even in times of hardship. Thus, the theme of the Third Biennial Conference has been set as “Sustaining Democracy in Asia: Challenges of Social and Economic Justice.”
The Third Biennial Conference of WFDA will be held in Seoul from 16-18 September 2009. Building on the network that has been developed over the past four years, it is anticipated to be one of the largest ever gatherings of Asian democrats, and a major focus for all members of the international community concerned with the democratic development of the region. Approximately 150 participants are expected, including:
· Political and civic leaders from all Asian countries
· Leaders of regional networks and programs
· Representatives of democracy assistance foundations active in the region
· Representatives of relevant international organizations and networks, as well as counterparts from other regions
The primary objective of the conference will be to evaluate progress towards the goals set forth in the "WFDA Framework for Action 2007-2009," and deliberation of a new Framework for Action to guide the work in the next two years.
In addition, several special events will take place during the conference. Two major keynote speeches will be delivered: one by a globally renowned scholar or politician, addressing the theme of the Biennial; one by a leading figure in Korean democratization. In addition, a High Level Forum of regional leaders and experts will further deliberate on the actions needed to address development issues through democracy, which will be codified in the “Seoul Declaration on Democracy and Economic and Social Justice.”
