For Immediate Release

Office of Press Relations
press@usaid.gov

Media Advisory

USAID to host event on Tuesday focused on partnerships that strengthen democracy, human rights, and governance

Administrator Samantha Power will participate in a range of events during the 2023 Summit for Democracy that underscore the Agency’s commitment to advance democracy and human rights, counter corruption, and highlight how democracies deliver for their citizens. 

As part of the Summit, Administrator Power, Deputy Administrator Coleman, and other USAID officials will host a lead-in event on Tuesday, March 28, Partnering for Democracy: Democratic Reforms Meeting Diverse Community Needs, to elevate the critical work of partners and local organizations in supporting democratic advances. 

In a side event on Wednesday, Administrator Power will join Microsoft CEO Brad Smith and Internews CEO Jeanne Bourgault to launch a new public-private partnership in support of media viability.

On Thursday, March 30, the Administrator will give remarks at the official U.S.-hosted event dedicated to Advancing Technology for Democracy. She will also lead U.S. participation in an event focused on media freedom hosted by the Dutch government. 

In the lead up to the Summit, the Administrator will also announce and recognize the semi-finalists from the Powering a Just Energy Transition Green Minerals Challenge (JET Minerals Challenge) on Monday, March 27. This event will highlight how solutions funded through the JET Minerals Challenge will create impact and inspire change. 

USAID Events and Summit Participation (all times are in EDT)

A full list of Summit events is available at https://www.state.gov/summit- for-democracy-2023/ 

March 28 at 9:00 a.m.: Partnering for Democracy: New Approaches for Reform

Watch the livestream on USAID.gov.

  • Opening remarks from Administrator Samantha Power (9:00 a.m.)
  • Government Reformers Making a Difference (9:10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.): The first session will highlight USAID and our partners’ efforts to surge resources to reformers during democratic openings. 
  • Advancing People-Centered Justice and the Rule of Law (10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.): Deputy Administrator Coleman will provide opening remarks. Session two will feature USAID’s new People Centered Justice approach to Rule of Law programming, and will highlight the Rule of Law and People Centered Justice Multistakeholder Cohort’s Declaration and Call to Action. 
  • Strategic Approaches to Building Trust and Bridging Divides (1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.): Session three will identify new approaches to addressing inequality and building trust in societies. 
  • Accelerating Anti-Corruption Progress and Moving to Action (3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Deputy Administrator Coleman will provide opening remarks. Session four will focus on the work of the USG-led Financial Transparency and Integrity (FTI) Democracy Cohort, including launching the Cohort’s Pledge and Call to Action, and highlight how USAID is modernizing its support to anti-corruption reformers.

March 28 at 1:00 p.m.: Status of Women is the Status of Democracy (1:15 p.m.):

Watch the livestream on State.gov. 

  • Deputy Administrator Coleman will introduce and moderate the “Advancing Women’s Political and Civic Participation” panel during this event.

March 29 at 3:30 p.m.Launch Event for the Media Viability Accelerator (Summit Side Event).

  • Administrator Power will participate in a virtual fireside chat with Microsoft’s President Brad Smith. Media may RSVP here

March 30 at 9:00 a.m.: Deputy Administrator Coleman will provide opening remarks at the Tech for Democracy Cohort Event led by the Government of Estonia, Government of the United Kingdom, and Access Now.  

March 30 at 9:15 a.m.: Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy (Main Summit Session)

Watch the livestream on State.gov. 

  • Administrator Power will provide opening remarks for the Netherlands-led event.

March 30 at 12:30 p.m.: Advancing Democracy and Internet Freedom in a Digital Age. (Main Summit Session). 

Watch the livestream on State.gov. 

  • Administrator Power will give remarks on the Administration's affirmative vision for technology

About the Summit for Democracy 

From March 29-30, 2023, the United States will co-host the second Summit for Democracy with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia. The Summit, convening 121 invited foreign partners, will underscore that people the world over share a common desire to live in free societies in which their governments hear their voices and respect their human dignity.

At the first Summit in December 2021, approximately 100 governments made nearly 750 commitments to advance democracy, counter authoritarianism, and fight corruption. The 2023 Summit will be an opportunity for world leaders to showcase progress made on their commitments to build more resilient democracies; announce new commitments and initiatives to build on that momentum; and underscore the effectiveness of collective action.

More information on event times and details is available at the Summit for Democracy website.

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