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Keynote Statement by H.E. Yu Myung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea

Mr. Chairman,
Honorable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Representatives of Civil Society,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a great honor and pleasure for me to speak before you at this meaningful gathering of
the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies.  I would like to thank the Portuguese 
Government for its hard work in organizing this conference.  I also wish to express my appreciation for the 
special efforts of the two other Troika countries, Mali and Lithuania, in moving this process forward.

    It is particularly meaningful that we are meeting here in Portugal, a country that stands out as a strong 
advocate for the cause of democracy.  Taking this opportunity, I would like to pay tribute to the Portuguese 
people for the courage and wisdom they have shown on the democratic path since the famed Carnation 
Revolution in 1974.

Distinguished Delegates,

    Let me start by briefly reflecting upon the state of democracy around the world.

    Democracy is becoming a dominant form of government in today’s world.  In particular, over the last few 
decades, we have witnessed the wide and rapid spread of democratically elected governments.  According 
to a report by Freedom House, the number of electoral democracies has increased from 69 in 1989 to 119 
in 2008.  However, both young and mature democracies are facing various challenges that may result in 
setbacks in democratic governance.  Civil conflicts, political instability, terrorism, and poverty are just a few of 
these challenges.

    Accordingly, to follow up on and bolster the process of democratization, there is now a strong need for 
democratic consolidation. To this end, political will is crucial on the part of each government to identify and 
resolve the challenges to democratic governance.  We need to share best practices and the lessons learned 
in this regard.  In particular, we should strengthen support for fragile countries with weak governance.  Since 
democratic institutions do not automatically guarantee sustainable democracy, it is essential to nurture 
democratic culture through dialogue and education.

    Civil society organizations, -- an integral part of this Community, -- have an indispensable role to play in 
strengthening democratic institutions and processes.  Therefore, it is important that we ensure the 
participation of the civil society in the consolidation of democratic governance.

    Now let me turn to the main theme of this Conference, -- which is: "The Implications of the Current 
Financial and Economic Crisis in Democratic Governance."

    The current economic crisis has a wide impact that goes beyond just the financial and economic sectors.  
Its effects are being felt across a range of political and social areas as well.  Thus, it poses many challenges 
to democratic governance.  With growing unemployment and poverty, we are concerned that nationalism and 
extremism may gain more ground by appealing to the distressed general public.  In turn, this would have an 
adverse effect on the middle class and civil society as well.  Against such a backdrop, democratic processes 
are more likely to be neglected.

    In the face of these challenges, we should not forget that it is democracy itself which offers the best hope 
for overcoming the current crisis.  Democratic principles provide greater resilience and flexibility needed to 
overcome a crisis.  As open and liberal societies value innovative ideas, it is through such ideas that a crisis 
can be turned into an opportunity for a better future.

    Democratic governments also ensure the greater legitimacy needed in resolving economic crises.  
Non-democratic governments tend to depend on economic growth to justify their right to rule.  Such 
governments are thus likely to be more destabilized and fragile when an economic crisis is in full swing.  
On the other hand, democracies can secure wider popular support for the actions taken by a government to 
put the economy back on track.

    This may be illustrated by the case of my country, the Republic of Korea. The underlying power of 
democratic governance was indispensable in our success in overcoming the Asian financial crisis in the 
late 1990s.  The transparency and accountability inherent in our democratic system played a key role in 
fixing our economy.

    As a country that has traveled an arduous path of democratization and economic development, the 
Republic of Korea attaches great importance to the international efforts to promote democratic values and 
strengthen relevant institutions.  As a founding member of the Convening Group of the Community of 
Democracies, we have a deep commitment to this process.

    We also place great value on regional cooperation.  There has been a particular need to strengthen 
regional networks for the promotion of democracy in Asia where diverse cultures and religions coexist.  
In this regard, the Republic of Korea hosted the Inaugural Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific 
Democracy Partnership (APDP) in Seoul last October.  As part of the process, we note that an Inter-Sessional 
Meeting of the APDP was held here in Lisbon yesterday.

Distinguished Delegates,

    Next year, the Community of Democracies will commemorate its tenth anniversary.  Over the last decade, 
the Community has taken significant steps toward institutionalization, -- with the expansion of the 
Convening Group from seven countries to the current seventeen, as well as the establishment of a 
permanent secretariat in Poland.

    At this critical juncture in charting the future of the Community, it is a time not only to reflect on its vision 
and activities, but also to renew our commitment to enhancing its effectiveness.  It is important to ensure 
that this process is more action- and result- oriented.  The Community should be better able to protect and 
promote democratic governance around the world in a more effective and timely manner.  Hence, the 
revised decision-making procedures of the Convening Group will contribute to the greater effectiveness 
of the Community.

    In the face of a number of global challenges, -- in particular the current financial crisis, -- we should place 
even greater emphasis on the promotion of democracy.  Democratic principles and values serve as a 
guiding light on our common voyage toward a better world.

    I truly hope that all of us here will strive to ensure that the Community of Democracies will continue to 
play a crucial role in meeting global challenges, with the unwavering power of democratic governance.

Thank you   /End/