“Report Launch: The Global State of Democracy”

Secretary-General Annan,
Secretary-General Leterme,
Director-General Sager,
Ms. Ebead,
Ms. Randaria,
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations for the launch of International IDEA’s report: “The Global State of Democracy”. I would like to thank the organizers of this event – the Office of International IDEA to the European Union and the Kofi Annan Foundation – for making it possible. I would especially like to thank Mr. Kofi Annan and Mr. Yves Leterme for taking the time to be with us today. I know I speak for all of us when I say that we look forward to hearing their thoughts on a topic as vital as democracy.

Of course, it is no easy feat to grapple with the current state of democracy, let alone to predict its future. It is telling however that International IDEA is launching its biennial report series twenty-five years after the publication of “The End of History and the Last Man” by Francis Fukuyama. It posits that the end of the Cold War marked the inevitable triumph of Western liberal democracy. What a difference 25 years can make. The euphoria of yesterday has given way to the hand-wringing of today. Not without reason. Systemic shocks over the last decades have challenged democracies at home and abroad. Public frustration with imperfect institutions is fuelling the fragmentation of societies, the polarization of politics and the demonization of others. Increasing inequalities and growing trust deficits at every level of governance undermine the bonds that unite us. And yet, I think it would be a mistake to discount democracy. To surrender to the current sense of gloom. What is needed instead is a level-headed examination of the challenges facing democracy. An analysis of the policy options at hand that give it a new lease on life.

That is exactly what International IDEA is unveiling today. “The Global State of Democracy” recognizes the setbacks democracy has been dealt recently. But it places these in the context of long-term positive trends, providing a nuanced, fact-based understanding. It examines key issues like migration and inequality, as well as the vital contributions of women and young people.

In light of the report’s holistic approach, it is particularly fitting that it be launched here in Geneva. A city that makes it easier to collaborate and exchange information across disciplines and silos. Together, the more than 100 international organizations, hundreds of NGOs and world-class academic institutions that make up International Geneva contribute to democracy in their own way. For example, the International Labour Organization has taken the lead in setting norms for “democracy” in the workplace.

Looking back to the mistaken assumptions of the past, let us remember that democracy is not a destination. It is a path. One marked by struggles and setbacks. That we should follow a different path. In truth, there is no other path. Or to quote Winston Churchill, “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time…” Going forward, success will depend on facts and even-keeled analysis of the kind offered by this report, not hyperbole.

I look forward to a productive discussion. Thank you.