Staff Reporter :
To celebrate the International Day of Democracy, British High Commission Dhaka, US Embassy Dhaka and Democracy International held workshops on Tuesday with a diverse group of young leaders from across the political spectrum on the importance of democracy, and a rules based international system.
Over thirty participants from Democracy International’s Young Leaders Fellowship programme attended the workshop, according to a press release issued by UK High Commission yesterday.
Groups discussed some of the challenges and opportunities on embedding the principles of democracy; how the voices of under-represented groups such as women and young people can be better heard; and global experiences on democracy.
Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner Robert W Gibson CMG said: “As today’s event demonstrates, with our partners from the US and Democracy International, the UK has been playing an active role in helping young people to develop, learn and achieve their potential. We have been exploring with them how to promote the principles of democratic and inclusive participation. We hope to create and encourage a new generation of people, for whom the Magna Carta is not an historical document but a living testament for today’s democracies.”
Charge d’affaires a.i. of the US Embassy in Dhaka David Meale said: ”Society and technology are forever changing. This compels democracies to continually reexamine their own functioning. But within this evolution, there is an important constant: government must remain responsive and accountable to the will of the people.”
Deputy Chief of Party, Democracy International (DI) Katie Croake said: “DI is impressed by the energy and commitment shown by all the youth in the Fellows Program. As active participants in the political process of Bangladesh these young people bring leadership, skills and ideas to the problems facing their communities. It is inspiring.”
