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Opening Session<br />
Welcoming Remarks<br />
Hwang Kyo-ahn<br />
Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea<br />
<strong>The</strong> Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell<br />
Member (Canada) and Chair,<br />
World Movement Steering Committee<br />
Former Prime Minister of Canada<br />
Excerpts: Since the World Movement’s founding<br />
in 1999, we have repeatedly emphasized the importance<br />
of mutual cooperation, support, and solidarity.<br />
Regardless of our background, we have come together<br />
to reaffirm our commitment to democratic principles<br />
at a time when democracy is facing a host of threats<br />
around the world.<br />
<strong>The</strong> theme of this <strong>Assembly</strong> is “Empowering Civil<br />
Society for Democracy and its Renewal.” You and<br />
your fellow civil society activists around the world are<br />
at the forefront of challenging resurgent authoritarians,<br />
protecting fragile new democracies, contributing<br />
to successful democratic transitions, and guarding<br />
against extremist movements.<br />
We chose Seoul as our venue to recognize and celebrate<br />
the remarkable transformation of South Korea<br />
from a military dictatorship in the late 1980s to its<br />
position today as a regional leader on democracy. We<br />
believe there is much to learn from that important<br />
experience.<br />
Excerpts (translated and edited from the Korean<br />
original): <strong>The</strong> Right Honorable Kim Campbell, Chair<br />
of the World Movement Steering Committee, participants<br />
of the World Movement for Democracy, and distinguished<br />
guests, congratulations on the opening of<br />
the World Movement for Democracy’s <strong>Eighth</strong> Global<br />
<strong>Assembly</strong>.<br />
It is meaningful that the Republic of Korea is hosting<br />
the <strong>Assembly</strong> for the World Democracy Movement<br />
for the first time in East Asia. I also wish to welcome<br />
you who are leading the development of democracy<br />
around the world to Korea.<br />
Democracy is the optimum political system for<br />
guaranteeing freedom and happiness. However, there<br />
are many regions in which the roots of democracy have<br />
yet to take hold. Civil society and human rights are<br />
being threatened and democracy is facing challenges<br />
from the terror of extremist groups such as ISIL. <strong>The</strong><br />
theme of this <strong>Assembly</strong>, “Empowering Civil Society<br />
for Democracy and Its Renewal,” is significant. Your<br />
passion for and devotion to democracy is critical in<br />
expanding cooperation on democracy issues within<br />
the international community and strengthening the<br />
activities of civil society.<br />
“We chose Seoul as our venue to recognize<br />
and celebrate the remarkable transformation<br />
of South Korea from a military dictatorship<br />
in the late 1980s to its position today as a<br />
regional leader on democracy.” —Kim Campbell<br />
“Your passion for and devotion to democracy<br />
is critical in expanding cooperation on<br />
democracy issues within the international<br />
community and strengthening activities of<br />
civil society.” —Hwang Kyo-ahn<br />
www.MoveDemocracy.org 17