Speeches Shim
DEMOCRACY IS
The ongoing quest by people around the world for democracy and freedom guides and inspires our work at USAID.
For decades the American people, through USAID, have partnered with countries, communities, and people around the world to strengthen resilient democratic societies.
Citizen-responsive governance is also a critical factor in development, and we believe it is not possible for any country to rise to its full potential without it.
USAID is reinforcing its commitment to strengthen democratic governance and is investing in democracy work to advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
There are many around the world who are committed to this cause. They are working towards respect for human dignity, rights, and the rule of law.
Meet our democracy heroes in the short films below.
SHORT FILMS
Last updated: September 30, 2020
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) joins the world in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Free and independent journalism is vital to open and democratic societies. The role of journalists is even more important during a public health crisis like the one we face today, when they serve as "first corresponders."
The U.S. government today announced the MNT8.3 billion ($3 million) expansion of the bilateral assistance agreement between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Mongolia’s Ministry of Finance to continue projects and implement new programs that support good governance and strengthen the role of civil society in achieving Mongolia’s development goals. This brings the total USAID contribution to more than MNT 342 billion ($123 million) since 2004 to support Mongolia’s sovereignty and democracy.
USAID programs help countries resist Russia’s manipulation of their information sources, journalism, and overall public discourse by bolstering the capacity of their news outlets to provide professional, trusted coverage… and to strengthen the legal and regulatory operating environment for press freedom. Our support for independent media restores the power of truth to the people and away from malign foreign actors.
This National Religious Freedom Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate America's first freedom. A desire for religious freedom is what brought Americans to Plymouth's shores, which makes it a foundational value in the United States' Journey to Self-Reliance. One expression of religious freedom in the United States is the legacy of faith-based organizations and their enduring contributions to stability, peace, and prosperity here at home and around the world.
History tells us that states with more democratic characteristics are usually more prosperous, stable, and reliable partners. They're better economic partners, because they possess the characteristics and conditions that we believe are vital for economic vibrancy and sustainable growth. They're better strategic partners because they're citizen-centered, making them less likely to produce terrorists, proliferate weapons of mass destruction or engage in armed aggression. Conversely, authoritarian regimes are, at best, unreliable partners and, at worst, pose significant risks to peace and stability.
Comment
Make a general inquiry or suggest an improvement.