The Eighth Assembly

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