Statement by the Secretary General Mantas Adomėnas ahead of

International Day of Democracy

I am honoured to mark the 2024 International Day of Democracy in my new role as the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies – a coalition of democratic states united by shared values outlined in the Warsaw Declaration and committed to the promotion and protection of democracy worldwide. In today’s uncertain world, where democracies continue to face mounting authoritarian pressure and increasingly complex challenges, where they need to swiftly adapt policies and institutions to the rapidly changing global realities, the principles of democracy and human rights should always be at the centre of policy planning.

This year, the UN theme of the International Day of Democracy focuses on the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for good governance. It highlights the need to harness the benefits of AI while addressing its potential risks for democracy and human rights.

The ongoing digital transformation of the public sphere has created new channels for greater citizens’ engagement, government transparency and accountability, as well as human rights advocacy. However, the alarming misuse of new technologies, including AI, poses a significant threat to democracies and people’s fundamental freedoms. Malign actions undertaken by authoritarian regimes or non-state actors to violate human rights and undermine democratic principles include disinformation, interference in electoral processes, online harassment of media workers and human rights defenders, and AI-based Orwellian surveillance technology.

For us at the Community of Democracies, fostering democratic resilience is at the forefront of our work. In line with the Community’s Strategic Plan published earlier this year, we work to deepen and enhance multi-stakeholder cooperation on urgent democracy-related matters including the impact of new technologies and AI on democracy. As I embark on my duties as the Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, I look forward to working together with the CoD Member States, Civil Society Pillar, and partner organizations to continue sharing knowledge and best practices on addressing anti-democratic trends and safeguarding the values we believe in.