Summit for Democracy graphic

For USIP and the international peacebuilding community, democracy has always been an implicit or explicit theme in our work. Democratic governance, in its most basic form, is a human invention for resolving conflict peacefully. For this reason, USIP is providing special support for the White House’s second Summit for Democracy. In cooperation with the Global Democracy Coalition, USIP will convene side events that bring together government and civil society leaders to discuss how democracies can support each other in meeting current challenges. The Institute will also co-host signature summit events with U.S. agencies.

Through our support for the summit, USIP will not only be promoting international democratic cooperation, but we will also be seeking to strengthen the working nexus between peace and democracy — an intersection that continues to mark the American approach to peacebuilding.

Follow our work on social media with #DemocracySummitUSIP.

Events

Members of the Honduran Military Police conduct anti-gang operations in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on Feb. 1, 2019.  (Victor J. Blue/The New York Times)

Urban Peacebuilding: Lessons from Latin America’s Mayors

Thursday, March 23 | 3:30pm - 5:00pm

A discussion about criminal violence with local officials from Colombia, Mexico and the northern tier of Central America. These frontline officials will discuss both their achievements and ongoing challenges in providing the immediate security that citizens demand while also addressing the long-term structural drivers of violent crime.

Protesters demonstrate after the military regime took power through a coup in Yangon Myanmar, Feb. 8, 2021. (The New York Times)

Rescuing Democracy in Myanmar

Friday, March 24 | 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

A conversation featuring representatives of key pro-democracy stakeholders, including major ethnic resistance organizations and the National Unity Government, who will address the critical role of democracy in shaping a peaceful future. A panel of experts will then discuss opportunities for U.S. and international assistance to support a peaceful and democratic Myanmar.

Ukrainian soldiers with the 114th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces carry equipment for a weapons training in the Kyiv region of Ukraine on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (Emile Ducke/The New Yok Times)

Securing the Peace in Ukraine

Monday, March 27 | 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

A discussion on the tensions between security, democracy and civil liberties, the costs and benefits of total defense/comprehensive security models, and the regulation and oversight of strong security sectors. The conversation will examine lessons learned from Nordic and Baltic states, which could represent a thoughtful roadmap for ensuring Ukraine’s democracy continues to stand strong while maintaining effective and transparent security institutions that credibly deter interstate aggression.

Residents of Sintet, Gambia, at a workshop on Aug. 23, 2019.  (Julie Turkewitz/The New York Times)

Justice, Accountability and Sustained Momentum for Democracy

Tuesday, March 28 | 9:30am - 11:00am

A co-hosted discussion with USIP and the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Global Criminal Justice and Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations on how formal and transitional justice mechanisms have created or sustained momentum for democracy in states where democratic values are threatened by authoritarianism and conflict. 

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