The Inter-American Democratic Charter establishes democracy as essential for the development of the Americas, highlighting the need for strong democratic institutions in the face of global challenges. Integral to this initiative are the Friends of the Democratic Charter, established in 2004 to elevate the Charter's role and ensure its proactive application in democratic governance. Their involvement brings valuable insight and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support among nations to confront both political and socio-economic challenges that threaten democracy. The Organization of American States also marked a significant step forward in October 2023 with the establishment of a new Voluntary Group of Member States for follow-up on the Inter-American Democratic Charter, as mandated by the 2023 OAS General Assembly.

English

Spanish

On May 30, USIP and the Carter Center hosted a conversation focused on strengthening democracy across the hemisphere. The discussion brought together the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, leaders and experts to formulate actionable strategies for democratic resilience, share best practices and examine lessons learned in democratic preservation to ensure that democracy continues to thrive and benefit the peoples of the Americas.

Speakers

Keith Mines, welcoming remarks
Vice President, Latin America Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

Víctor Verdún, framing remarks
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paraguay 

Jennie Lincoln, introduction of the Group of Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter
Senior Advisor for Latin America and Caribbean, The Carter Center 

Carlos Ayala, Venezuela, remarks on Democracy and Human Rights
Professor and Chair of Constitutional Law, "Andrés Bello" Catholic University; Former President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Eduardo Stein, Guatemala, remarks on Democracy, Integral Development, and Combating Poverty
Former Vice President of Guatemala

Thomas Garrett, remarks on Promotion of a Democratic Culture
Secretary General, Community of Democracies

Catalina Botero, Colombia, remarks on Strengthening and Preservation of a Democratic Culture
Director of the UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Expression at the Universidad de Los Andes and co-chair of the Oversight Board of Facebook and Instagram

Luis Almagro, closing remarks
Secretary General, Organization of American States

Related Publications

Hard Work Ahead: Haiti’s Government Seeks to Restore Security with International Support

Hard Work Ahead: Haiti’s Government Seeks to Restore Security with International Support

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Many Haitians expressed genuine sympathy and shared loss when an American missionary couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were killed by gangs alongside Jude Montis, the local director of the Missions in Haiti organization where they were working. Following a confusing few hours of attacks and counter-attacks by rival gangs on May 23, the tragic shootings and subsequent burning of the male bodies quickly made national news in the United States, in part because of the prominence of the couple — Natalie Lloyd is the daughter of Missouri State Representative Ben Baker and Davy Lloyd’s family is prominent in Oklahoma.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceJustice, Security & Rule of Law

¿Es la histórica elección de México una oportunidad para reiniciar la cooperación con los Estados Unidos?

¿Es la histórica elección de México una oportunidad para reiniciar la cooperación con los Estados Unidos?

Thursday, June 13, 2024

El 2 de junio, los mexicanos eligieron a la ex alcaldesa de la Ciudad de México y candidata del partido gobernante, Claudia Sheinbaum, como su próxima presidenta. Con un mandato electoral contundente, así como con una mayoría calificada en el Congreso, Sheinbaum ha prometido continuar el proyecto de la “Cuarta Transformación” de su predecesor, enfocado en reducir la pobreza, combatir la corrupción, promover la justicia social y lograr una distribución equitativa del ingreso bajo un estado fortalecido. En medio de esta mezcla de continuidad y cambio, Estados Unidos podría tener una oportunidad para reconstruir la deteriorada cooperación entre ambos países en materia de seguridad y reducción de la violencia, una de las prioridades de Sheinbaum y algo que será imposible de lograr sin una estrecha cooperación con Estados Unidos.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

Vietnam’s Paradox: Domestic Tumult, Diplomatic Consistency

Vietnam’s Paradox: Domestic Tumult, Diplomatic Consistency

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Last September, President Biden and Vietnamese General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng announced a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, raising U.S.-Vietnam relations to their highest level ever. Yet domestic politics in Vietnam have been rocky, with numerous leadership changes and increasing restrictions on civil society — raising uncertainty within Vietnam’s usually stable political system.

Type: Analysis

Global PolicyDemocracy & Governance

Is Mexico’s Historic Election an Opportunity to Reset Cooperation with the U.S.?

Is Mexico’s Historic Election an Opportunity to Reset Cooperation with the U.S.?

Thursday, June 13, 2024

On June 2, Mexicans elected former Mexico City mayor and governing party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum as their next president. With a compelling electoral mandate, as well as a qualified majority in Congress, Sheinbaum has vowed to continue her predecessor’s “Fourth Transformation” project, focused on reducing poverty, combatting corruption and promoting social justice and equal income distribution under a strengthened state. Amid this mix of continuity and change, the United States may have an opportunity to rebuild the two countries’ frayed cooperation on security and violence reduction, one of Sheinbaum’s priorities and something that will be impossible for her to achieve without close cooperation with the United States.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

View All Publications