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International Forum >> The Democracy Forum for East Asia>> Inaugural Conference
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FOREWORD The establishment of the Democracy Forum for East Asia has not only brought our two organizations together for the first time in full partnership, but it has given us an extraordinary opportunity to work together to further the development of democracy through a wide array of projects within the region. The vision of a democratic future for East Asia embodied by the Democracy Forum is one that we all share. The story of the East Asian people's desire to achieve democracy is not only one of past struggle but continues with today's struggle to achieve and consolidate democracy. The story of democracy in the region is still unfolding and it is one that all of us must write together. Therefore, we would like to invite not only the distinguished participants at the conference, but other scholars and practitioners of democracy and leaders from the governmental and the non-governmental sectors in the region and in the United States, to join and work together to turn the dream of democracy into reality. By working towards a common goal, we hope that the Democracy Forum will become an effective vehicle for realizing the aspirations of the people of East Asia for a brighter future, a future that promises human freedom and dignity, and peace and prosperity for all. Finally, we wish to convey our deepest appreciation to President Kim Dae-jung for his congratulatory message, to Korean Foreign Minister Soon-young Hong for his dinner address, and to Assistant Secretary Harold Koh for his keynote speech. We also wish to thank all those who accepted our invitation to participate in this inaugural conference of the Democracy Forum for East Asia, with special thanks to our co-sponsors - the Asia Foundation, JoongAng Ilbo, and the Korea Council of Citizens's Movement - for their generous support. Last but not least, we would like to thank the staff of both the Sejong Institute and the NED's International Forum for Democratic Studies, who have worked tirelessly to ensure a conference worthy of our first collaborative effort. If the beginning is a sign of what is to come, the prospects for the Democracy Forum are bright indeed. Dalchoong Kim The Sejong Institute Carl Gershman National Endowmentfor Democracy |
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