Quotes: Past Ministerial Conferences

“One of the greatest challenges to humankind in the new century will be the struggle to make the practice of democracy equally universal. In that struggle, nations in which democracy is already well established will need to be vigilant in preserving that achievement, and to work together to help those where democracy is still new or emerging. That, I know, is the main purpose of your new coalition, and I warmly salute it.”

“Each and every member of the international community has a responsibility in the face of these worldwide phenomena which so seriously affect countries such as mine. The Colombian government is doing its part. It is urgent that the members of the international community, and especially the most solid democracies in the world should also do their part without delay.”

“There comes a time when the spark of freedom flashes in the minds of all oppressed people, and they raise their voices against tyranny. The Community of Democracies must match the bravery of these men and women with the courage of our own convictions. We on the right side of freedom’s divide have an obligation to help those on the wrong side of that divide.”

“Never before have we been so unified in charting a course of better opportunity for all men, women and children of the world. The whole world stands to benefit from the stability that will come from a future of development and democracy. I thank each and every one here today for your commitment to freedom.”

“Pleasing as that response is, it left much work to be done -– turning this universal value [of democracy] into a universal reality. This is the momentous goal that the Community of Democracies has set for itself. My message to you today is that the Community of Democracies is not alone in these efforts.”

“We see our own stories in theirs. And we know that, just as any one democracy depends on people working together, a community of democracy depends on all nations, not only working together, but renewing our commitment. And we believe that established democracies have a special duty to help those that are emerging because these new democracies are fighting for their life… This is an hour of need, and every democracy should stand up and be counted.”

“You know that an ethnic group conflict still exists in Myanmar, hence in order to resolve this dispute we are pledging to form a national union by implementing an ideology of democracy in a peaceful manner, and this will take a long term of process of innovation to endure… there is a great opportunity for Myanmar to study from Mongolia’s experience.”