On December 9-10, 2021, President Biden hosted the first of two Summits for Democracy, a global gathering of 100 government leaders, hundreds of members of civil society, and the business community, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing democracies in the 21st century.  At the Summit, the U.S. Government announced that the time between leaders’ ... Read More»

President Biden closed the two-day Summit for Democracy by highlighting countries’ renewed commitment to protect human rights, combat corruption and ensure fair elections. “The U.S. is committed to strengthening democracy at home and to working with parties around the globe to prove that democracies can deliver for people on issues that matter to them,” Biden said December ... Read More»

Let me start if I can by telling you why I’ve come here, to Ecuador, on my first visit as Secretary to South America.  There’s a thread that runs throughout every part of United States policy, domestic and foreign, and that is working to make democracy work for all people. That’s the focus of this ... Read More»

The United States is stepping up efforts to combat corruption and support honest governance around the world. President Biden, in a June 3 memorandum, elevated the fight against global corruption to a national security priority. Anti-corruption efforts are one of three pillars of the Summit for Democracy that Biden will host December 9-10. The other two ... Read More»

A strong democracy encourages a free press — one that keeps the public informed, enables a diversity of voices, and holds leaders accountable. There’s so much news around us — on the internet, television and radio and in newspapers — it’s easy to forget what an important role reporters play. In the U.S., the press ... Read More»

On this International Day of Democracy, we underscore our support for democracy as we strive toward a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world. The United States places democracy and human rights at the center of our foreign policy; they are essential elements in achieving and sustaining peace and stability the world over. Our commitment is firm and ... Read More»

Democracy remains the aspiration of people all over the world because each of us yearns to be free.  From the time we are children, we instinctively assert our ability to self-govern, to make decisions that shape our lives.  As citizens, we understand that we must be free to engage others in debates over the wisdom ... Read More»