Strengthening Democracy in the Americas

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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.

Join USIP and the Carter Center for a conversation focused on strengthening democracy across the hemisphere. The discussion will bring 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.

For more information about this event, and to join the live audience Q&A, please visit

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

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to build local capacities to manage conflict peacefully. The Institute pursues its mission by linking research, policy, training, analysis and direct action to support those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world. Learn more about USIP