Summit for Democracy – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the Netherlands
On March 29th and 30th, 2023, the Netherlands is one of the co-hosts of the second Summit for Democracy organized by the United States. The other co-hosts are Costa Rica, Zambia and South Korea. Democracy and human rights are under threat worldwide. Together we must do everything to ensure that democratic principles are not further eroded.
On the first day of the Summit for Democracy, the political leaders of the four co-host countries will each chair a session on the challenges facing democracies and the possible ways we can respond. Prime Minister Rutte will chair a session on “Democracy – creating justice for all”.
On March 30, the Netherlands will also host an event on media freedom as co-host for the whole European region. The Netherlands is committed to protecting and promoting fundamental principles such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights worldwide. Freedom of expression is a prerequisite for a well-functioning democracy, and the media play a key role in this. The media have the platforms and resources to generate ideas and stimulate public debate so that people can form their own opinions.
However, freedom of the press and independent media can never be taken for granted. In many countries, including Europe, media freedom is under threat and journalists in particular are the target of attacks.
