High-level event “In defence of democracy. Fighting against extremism” - Chair summary

At the invitation of the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil and the President of the Government of Spain, the leaders and representatives of Barbados, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Kenya, Mexico, Norway, Senegal, Timor  Leste and the United States of America, as well as the president of the European Council Charles Michel and the Undersecretary-General of the United Nations, Guy Rider, met in New York on September 24, 2024, to discuss the threats to democracy and freedom posed by extremist movements in different parts of the world.

During the discussion, participants reiterated their commitment to defending democracy, they expressed deep concern about the rise of groups that promote attacks against the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. They acknowledged that polarization, extremism, and the spread of disinformation are transnational phenomena that erode the social fabric and fuel violence and instability.

Some participants underscored how increasing inequalities within and between countries are at the root of the discontent driving this trend. The failure to deliver concrete improvements for workers’ lives and the erosion of the middle classes in many countries contributed to a sense of frustration with governments and politics.

Others raised concern that the spread of disinformation and misinformation foster distrust in institutions and democratic processes, as well as hinder informed participation in public life, making it more difficult for governments to address citizens’ demands through effective policies.

The manipulation of opinions through hate speech and the use of virtual armies to spread fear, discredit opponents, and promote attacks on electoral systems are common elements of this troubling phenomenon, which silences minorities, restricts their participation and freedoms, and reduces democratic space and trust in democracy itself.

In this context, the discussions at the present meeting underscored that:

1. Democracy can take many forms, but it shares common characteristics, including free and fair elections; a transparent policy process; separation of powers and the right to equal protection under the law; an independent press and a reliable and plural information ecosystem; the opportunity to organize and participate fully in the political, economic and cultural life of society; and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. These values contribute to prosperous, inclusive, and pluralistic societies.

2. Democracy cannot be imposed. It is based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural systems.

3. Combating hunger and inequalities, promoting decent work, and enhancing social welfare policies are essential for strengthening democracy.

4. Ensuring gender equality and the full participation and leadership of women in all aspects of public policy-making and decision-making is fundamental to building inclusive and resilient democracies.

5. Racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and all forms of discrimination are incompatible with democracy and constitute threats to political pluralism and diversity.

6. The use of digital technologies by extremist groups to promote hate speech, spread disinformation, and incite acts of violence –amplified by advances in Artificial Intelligence– must be jointly addressed by governments, with the engagement of technology companies and civil society. Promoting information integrity will be essential to ensure the proper functioning of democracies.

7. A democratic environment is the most effective tool to address collective challenges and, in particular, to pave the way toward a just transition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The leaders present at this meeting are committed to strengthening democratic institutions and processes, as well as maintaining ongoing coordination on challenges to democracy in their countries and around the world.

They thank the President of Chile for his offer to host a summit in defence of democracy in Santiago in the near future and look forward to continued dialogue on ways to strengthen democracy, including through engagement with think tanks and civil society.

New York, September 24, 2024

>> Read the Chair summary's Spanish version of the High-Level event held in New York on September 24, 2024