Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has been invited by President Joe Biden to virtually address the Summit for Democracy being held December 9-10. The Summit, hosted by the President, will bring together world leaders, heads of state, advocates for human rights and democratic values, and others to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing democracies in the 21st Century.
At a time when authoritarianism is on the rise at home and abroad, the Governor shares the President’s commitment to doing our part to strengthen our democratic institutions and norms.
The Summit will provide world leaders the opportunity to announce meaningful initiatives and reforms to bolster their commitments to preserve and expand democracy around the globe.
America is the leader of the Free World, and people across the planet look to us to set an example. Governor Scott believes that it is critical we set a better one, starting with how we engage with one another. In his remarks, Governor Scott will discuss the importance of preserving our democracy, the need to tone down divisive partisan rhetoric, and that passionate policy debates can happen with respect and civility.
When: Thursday, December 9 at 1:15 p.m.
A full schedule of events, including other speakers, can be found by clicking here.
Where: The Summit will be streamed online at https://www.state.gov/summit-for-democracy/
An event description from the State Department can be found below. It can also be viewed by clicking here.
On December 9-10, 2021, President Biden will host a virtual summit for leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector. The summit will focus on challenges and opportunities facing democracies and will provide a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad.
For the United States, the summit will offer an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with a diverse range of actors whose support and commitment is critical for global democratic renewal. It will also showcase one of democracy’s unique strengths: the ability to acknowledge its imperfections and confront them openly and transparently, so that we may, as the United States Constitution puts it, “form a more perfect union.”
In advance of the first summit, we are consulting with experts from government, multilateral organizations, philanthropies, civil society, and the private sector to solicit bold, practicable ideas around three key themes:
- Defending against authoritarianism
- Addressing and fighting corruption
- Promoting respect for human rights
Leaders will be encouraged to announce specific actions and commitments to meaningful internal reforms and international initiatives that advance the Summit’s goals.
These pledges will include domestic and international initiatives that counter authoritarianism, combat corruption, and promote respect for human rights.
Civil society will be represented on panels and in townhalls as a part of the official program. Their inclusion is based on a variety of factors including geographic representation, political context, and subject matter expertise.
12.8.2021 Montpelier www.vermont.gov