Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the closing plenary session of the Second Summit for Democracy in San Jose, Costa Rica
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
US Representative to the United Nations
San Jose, Costa Rica
March 30, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Many thanks. And thank you to the Supreme Powers of Costa Rica – President Chaves, Legislative Assembly President Arias, Supreme Court President Aguirre and TSE President Zamora. Thank you for hosting us during this summit. We are grateful to have had you as generous hosts. And we were fortunate to be together during this powerful programming week. It really was a week of democracy.
I thought I would follow up my keynote address with a few thoughts on the importance of using youth participation to revitalize democracy. As I mentioned before, this year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“All human beings”, says this noble document, “are equal in rights and dignity”.
This profound statement is not an opinion. It’s a fact. Our human rights are inalienable and indivisible. They are interdependent and interconnected. And they are universal.
Of course, not every country respects human rights. Dictators abuse them. States violate them. But no one – no one, no country – can take them away.
Of course, respect for human rights is not only right. It’s also the smart thing to do. As democracies, we know that societies that respect human rights have healthier citizens, less violent conflict, and more prosperous communities. And the more we use the full range of talents and diversity that our populations have to offer – the more we take seriously the “universal” part of “universal human rights” – the more successful we are. But within our borders and beyond, we must work to include all people across all generations. So that we can deliver for you. So that they can deliver for us.
Because we still have a lot to do. And here’s the truth: the next generation will inherit the consequences of today’s challenges. wars. Poverty. The global hunger crisis. The global climate crisis. These problems affect young people disproportionately today. And they will influence her even more tomorrow.
I think especially of the girls and young women. The UN Secretary-General warned us earlier this month that at the current pace it will take 300 years to achieve gender equality – 300 years. This is not good enough for our children.
However, as democracies, we do not have to sit here and accept that fate. We have a remarkable ability: to look within, to acknowledge – to acknowledge our weaknesses and work to correct them. This is indeed our greatest strength.
Autocrats are too arrogant to correct course. But democracies constantly recognize our mistakes. Because our employees make us what we are. This is the system we are in.
And I’m living proof of that. In my keynote speech, I shared a story about the preparations for our civil war that ended the mass enslavement of African Americans. I am a descendant of one of those slaves. Now, at the United Nations, I represent the United States to the world.
And this is proof that progress is possible. Today, many countries around the world are joining us to face a reckoning – that too many groups have been left out and left behind for too long. That the marginalized must be respected. That we must realize our universal human rights for all. And that we need to work particularly hard to recognize that young people need to be nurtured and involved. That youth leaders are not just future leaders. You are the leader, period.
So I am pleased that our Costa Rican colleagues have provided this platform to share ideas and share recommendations for the future. This is why we have been so supportive of the Youth Cohort for Political Participation. And that’s why we support young people who are running for office, working in civil society, founding peace-building movements or starting intercultural dialogues. And that’s why we insist on building legitimate channels for your participation. Building up trust. And to change something.
And that’s why I was so proud to announce the launch of the Youth Democracy Network in my keynote earlier. The Youth Democracy Network will provide a way for youth to interact with government officials and integrate youth perspectives directly into the policy-making process. And I’m asking everyone here today to join us.
Just as President Biden’s Summit of Democracy brought together government, civil society, the private sector and philanthropic groups, so should the Youth Democracy Network. We invite all sectors to engage to build democratic resilience.
While we were together here in beautiful San Jose, summits were taking place around the world. In the Republic of Korea, our colleagues have examined how corruption undermines democratic institutions and values and threatens sustainable development and the rule of law. In Zambia, we have focused on the integral role that free and fair elections serve as the cornerstone of democracy. In the Netherlands we have faced the challenges of media freedom in today’s information atmosphere. And in Washington, DC, our colleagues have worked to shape the emerging technology ecosystem in accordance with democratic principles and human rights.
These are current, important issues. And I want you to know, all of these co-hosts have recognized the importance of engaging youth, engaging young people. Your message resonates around the world. And I want you to know: this summit is not just a meeting, Mr President. This is a gathering point. It’s a launch pad. It’s a place to reaffirm our global commitment to innovation, collaboration and action.
So here’s my challenge to all of you: Walk today with at least one action you’re going to take. At least one thing that you personally will do to move our democracies forward. In at least one way you put young people at the center of your work.
If everyone here does that, we’ll be much closer to leaving the next generation with the resilient, robust, and prosperous democracies they deserve.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
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