President Luis Abinader has received an invitation from US President Joe Biden to attend the first of two Summits for Democracy. The first will be a virtual summit set for 9-10 December 2021. The invitation is dated 9 November 2021 and was sent by the US Embassy to the Presidency through the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Dominican Republic on 16 November 2021.
The virtual summit will bring together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an affirmative agenda for democratic renewal and to tackle the greatest threats faced by democracies today through collective action.
The virtual summit is expected to galvanize commitments and initiatives across three principal themes: defending against authoritarianism, fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights.
The virtual summit will be followed up in roughly a year’s time by a second, in-person summit. After a year of consultation, coordination, and action, US President Biden will invite world leaders to gather once more to showcase progress made against their commitments.
The invitation to President Abinader reads:
“I send, on behalf of the American people, my best wishes to you, and to the people of the Dominican Republic. We recognize and appreciate your collaboration in building democratic societies respectful of human rights that allow all citizens to prosper.
“At a time of significant challenges and enormous opportunities, it is more important than ever for democracies to demonstrate that they can meet the needs of their people.
“It is therefore my pleasure to invite you to participate in the Virtual Summit for Democracy on December 9 and 10, 2021,” the president of the United States specifies in his letter.
He further indicates that he is inviting presidents and heads of government and other government leaders and voices from the business and non-governmental communities to join his initiative in adopting measures to strengthen democracy and defend it from authoritarianism.
The summit is also an action taken to combat corruption and promote respect for human rights.
“We look forward to sharing more details soon and hearing your ideas on how we can foster a more democratic, equitable, inclusive and sustainable world,” he said.
Biden expresses that as a country that constantly strives to create a more just and equitable society, the United States will host the Democracy Summit with humility and in a spirit of mutual learning.
“Together we will embark on the work necessary to shape a prosperous and peaceful future built on respect for the rights and aspirations of all people. I look forward to welcoming you and joining you in this effort,” Biden expresses in his closing words in the invitation.
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22 November 2021