Biden convenes more than 100 nations for world ‘democracy’ summit
SMA NEWS – WASHINGTON
President Joe Biden, who took office amid the biggest US political crisis in decades, hosts representatives of more than 100 countries for a democracy summit on Thursday (Dec 9) that is drawing fire from China and Russia.
The event, held by video link because of the coronavirus pandemic, is billed by the White House as US leadership in an existential struggle between democracies and powerful autocracies or dictatorships.
“Make no mistake, we’re at a moment of democratic reckoning,” said Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
“It’s no secret that democracies around the world are facing increasing challenges from new and novel threats. Countries in virtually every region of the world have experienced degrees of democratic backsliding.”
The summit, running Thursday and Friday, will feature opening remarks from Biden at the White House and is set to gather representatives from 100 governments, as well as NGOs, private businesses, philanthropical organizations and legislatures.
