Addressing the participants of the Summit, the Head of State stressed that in the face of growing threats and challenges, we must be ready to defend democracy and that every member of the democratic community has this great duty to help each other against the many pressures of autocratic regimes.
“We are used to thinking of democracy in idealized terms. We often describe it as the ultimate political goal. Democracy is good; therefore, we must build and promote it. Democracy must prevail in the end. By mobilizing citizens and empowering them, democracy creates a basis for strong institutions. Inclusion and participation make the state a true common good,” the President said.
Gitanas Nausėda underlined that the war launched by Russia is not only aimed at Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to national self-determination – it is also an attack against the highest ideals of democracy.
“Despite the greatest efforts by the Russian regime, what we have witnessed in Ukraine is the outstanding ability of a democratic society to withstand external pressures. With the substantial help of a wider international community, Ukraine today is able not only to resist an overwhelming military force, but also to fight for the ultimate victory,” the President said.
According to Gitanas Nausėda, democracy is our greatest strength that we must cherish and use wisely. He further underlined that democracy can only be strong if it is inclusive and just and, more importantly, if it is ready and able to defend itself.
The second Democracy Summit, initiated by U.S. President Biden, is attended by over 50 world leaders, international organizations, as well as representatives of the non-governmental sector and civil society. It focuses on strengthening democracy and countering authoritarianism, fighting corruption and safeguarding human rights.
