MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will join other leaders in the Summit for Democracy on December 9-10, 2021, upon the invitation of US President Joe Biden, a Palace statement said on Tuesday.
President Biden has invited heads of state and government, other government leaders and voices from the business and nongovernment sectors to join the US in taking action to strengthen democracy.
In his invitation letter to President Duterte, the US president said the United States will “host the Summit for Democracy with humility and in the spirit of mutual learning".
He further said that 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".
“We recognize and appreciate your partnership in working to build democratic and human rights-respecting societies that allow all citizens to thrive. In a moment of significant challenge and enormous opportunity, it is more important than ever for democracies to prove that we can deliver for the needs of our people,” wrote President Biden.
The American leader said he is also looking forward to welcoming President Duterte and hearing his ideas on “how we can foster a more democratic, equitable, inclusive and sustainable world.”
In accepting President Biden’s invitation, the Filipino leader welcomes the opportunity to share the Philippine democratic experience and commitment to democratic values and nation-building during his attendance to the summit.
The virtual summit will focus on challenges and opportunities facing democracies and will provide a platform for leaders to announce both individual and collective commitments, reforms, and initiatives to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad, according to the US State Department.
The United States said the summit will offer an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with a diverse range of actors whose support and commitment is critical for global democratic renewal.
The summit has three key themes: Defending against authoritarianism, addressing and fighting corruption, and promoting respect for human rights. (PND)
