CHAIR'S STATEMENT OF THE FIFTH BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM Nusa Dua, Bali, 8-9 November 2012 I. OPENING 1. The Fifth Bali Democracy Forum (BDF V) was held on 8 and 9 November 2012 in Bali, Indonesia. The Forum was attended by 12 Leaders, namely: H.E Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia; H.E. Lee Myungbak, President of the Republic of Korea; and the Right Honourable Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia as Co-chairs of the Forum; and His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam; Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao of Timor-Leste; President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand, Prime Minister Peter O Neill of Papua New Guinea, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean of Singapore, and Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha Prakash of Nepal. 2. The Forum was also attended by representatives of 36 participant countries. In addition, representatives of 47 observers comprising countries and International Organizations also attended the Forum (list of participants and observers appears as Annex.1) 3. In his report, H.E. Dr. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, stated that the Forum had been consolidated as part of the democratic architecture of the Asia-Pacific region and had gained a strong presence and wide recognition through, among other ways, the activities of the Institute for Peace and Democracy, the implementing agency of the BDF. 4. The Fifth Bali Democracy Forum was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. In his opening statement, President Yudhoyono thanked all delegates for their commitment and determination to advance democratic values and principles in the region. 5. President Yudhoyono emphasized that since its inception in 2008, the BDF had produced concrete outcomes. Consequently the prospect of democracy in the Asia and the Pacific had brightened. The President reminded the Forum, however, that it must not stop nurturing and ensuring the sustainability of our democracy. Forum participants must build democracy that delivers tangible outcomes, so that their peoples could fully enjoy democracy s economic benefits, their political rights and shared ownership of governance. 6. President Yudhoyono introduced this year s theme, Advancing Democratic Principles at the Global Setting: How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to International Peace and Security, Economic Development, and Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights. The democratic development at the national level, he said, must be followed by a parallel development at the global level. The President stressed that it was time for the international community to move forward to effectively address the challenges of the time. 7. President Yudhoyono, cited the following ways of addressing these challenges: (i) the international community must make sure that the system of global governance reflected the reality of the present time by reforming the United Nations Security Council without further delayed; (ii) must ensure that global 1
governance would be equipped with a mechanism that could address the issue of intolerance that threatened harmonious relations among civilizations; (iii) must give a bigger role to regional organizations in the global decision-making process, because they were in a better position to understand and assess the root causes and particularities of the multi-dimensional challenges that had arisen from their respective regions. 8. In his speech President Lee Myung Bak of the Republic of Korea stated that since its inception five years ago, the BDF had evolved into a venue for global dialogue and cooperation for consolidating democracy as a result of its inclusive approach. He also emphasized the importance of universal human rights as basic moral values of the Free World and said that advocating human rights beyond national borders was necessary for enhancement of world peace, security and economic prosperity. 9. While sharing Australia s experience in enhancing national democracy, Prime Minister Julia Gillard also affirmed her commitment as Co-chair of the Secretary- General s Millennium Development Goals Advocacy Group to give the highest priority to education and the rights of women and girls. She also underlined that there was no single template for democracy, but there are universal and enduring values, which underpin democracy and bring dignity to every individual. II. LEADERS' GENERAL DEBATE 10. The Leaders General Debate was co-chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, the President of the Republic of Korea and the Prime Minister of Australia. 11. The Leaders welcomed Indonesia s initiative to sustain the Bali Democracy Forum as a robust proof of Indonesia s own remarkable democratic transformation since 1998. Leaders congratulated Indonesia on the fifth anniversary of the Bali Democracy Forum, underlining that since the first time it was held, the Forum had served as a useful platform that provided an inclusive venue where countries could share their experiences and best practices in advancing and enhancing democracy. 12. His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, stated that this year s theme is in line with the principles as set out in the United Nation s Millennium Development Goals which were subsequently reflected in the Organization for Islamic Conference 10 year Programme of Action. These principles share a common goal of providing all people with the means to live their lives in the secure environment, with confidence in their future. 13. The President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan expressed agreement with the view of the President of Indonesia on the importance of building a homegrown democracy rooted in tradition and the values of the local society. Democracy as a system by itself would be insufficient, he said. It must promote inclusiveness, stability, progress and hope in the future. President Karzai told the Forum of the progress of democracy in Afghanistan, such as the increasing role of women in politics as well as national and local elections that had enriched the practice of democracy in Afghanistan. Furthermore, he called on the international community to support the forthcoming presidential election in Afghanistan. President Karzai also cited the importance of democratic practice in multilateral forums, in particular the Security Council with regard to the Veto, 2
and the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council, so as to improve the global order. 14. The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed appreciation of the Bali Democracy Forum as a highly valuable initiative in today s challenge-filled world. He propounded the view that democracy was the best way to achieve good governance. He also proposed as ways of addressing the multi-layered challenges of today s world, among others, the promotion of global efforts to ensure justice, the exercise of the rights of all peoples to participate in international decision-making and the reform of global governance. 15. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste cited the importance of the BDF as an inclusive way to work for human dignity, democracy and development. In a world facing serious problems--such as terrorism, armed conflicts, organized crime, autocracies, economic crises, natural disasters and climate change democracy remained a safe haven as well as a starting point for addressing those challenges. The way forward, he said, was through dialogue marked by trust and cooperation. Democracy would make it possible for nations to move forward without the rigidity of unilateral decisions and to evoke useful and creative responses. He said Timor-Leste would ensure that democratic ideals would not be used to perpetuate dominant political and economic interests by actively participating in and shaping the international agenda, while building democratic national governance. 16. The Prime Minister of Turkey paid tribute to Indonesia s role in promoting and supporting pluralism, democracy, human rights, and rule of law through the Bali Democracy Forum. He deemed it important that in the era of globalization, fair rules of the game be established. He called for the reform of the international architecture to cater to the needs of the people. Such reform would fairly divide responsibilities between developed and developing countries. Moreover, he emphasized the need to reform the UN Security Council to involve all countries from different regions and civilizations. As to the G-20, he said Turkey and Indonesia should work together to help find solutions to global economic problems. 17. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, pointed out three factors that are fundamental to democracy: rule of law, the protection of human rights and the promotion of equal opportunity. The Prime Minister stressed that transparent and effective rule of law would protect the rights and liberties of individuals as well as ensure the inclusion and participation of the people in the process of governance. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of the participation of the people in the country s economic progress and development. In the global context, the Prime Minister stated that the international community needed to address the issue of inequality by adhering to democratic principles. She also urged that nations cooperate to ensure that democracy survives when threatened. 18. The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea recounted his country s experiences in recent elections marked by a highly competitive, boisterous, and robust election campaign. The success of the holding of the election, he said, was a confirmation of the efficacy of freedom of speech and freedom of assembly in creating a stronger and a more secure nation. Pointing out the high economic performance of Indonesia, China, Japan, and India, he said that Asia, powered by democratic values, had become the economic center of the world. In 3
addition, he said, advancing democratic principles while achieving strong and balanced economic growth would enhance the people s living standards and create opportunity for them. Delivering democracy is vital, he said, because it ensures economic development. 19. The Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore noted that with the uncertainty in the international environment and the multi-dimensional nature of transnational challenges, the need for more effective global governance mechanisms has become more pronounced. Global governance that was inclusive, transparent and based on the rule of law would be paramount. He also pointed out that the UN remained the pre-eminent organisation for maintaining international peace and security. The UN should also explore ways to develop synergies in global economic governance, as well as play a role in ensuring that multilateral institutions work together in a complementary manner. He further highlighted that regional organisations could make important contributions to strengthening governance in their own neighbourhood, citing ASEAN as an example. 20. Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Honorable Mr. Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash', emphasized that democracy is a dynamic process moved by universal principles and that the people are at the centre of it. In this regard, he said, democracy is a case of the people ruling, empowering, developing and emancipating themselves. He stressed that democracy is linked closely to development and peace and that these concepts are mutually reinforcing. As to global democratic governance, he said, it is important that interstate relations be based on equality so that the international community could enjoy the collective benefits of democracy. He also briefed about the latest political situation of Nepal, including peace and constitution making process. III. GENERAL DEBATE 21. In the second session of the General Debate, the Heads of Delegation while sharing their respective views and experiences on democracy also highlighted the following key points: i. Democracy needs constant nurturing to succeed and requires time to evolve and mature. As BDF consistently highlights that sustainable democracy is a fundamental instrument for poverty eradication and the advancement of human development. ii. Democratic values like participation, inclusiveness, accountability and transparency should be put to work in order to achieve economic development. This can be done among others by empowering people through eradication of poverty, ensuring gender equality, food security and access to education and health services. iii. It is important to maintain and to ensure space for freedom of expression, for the right to receive and give information, for and the right of peaceful assembly. iv. The advancement of democratic principles at the global level must begin at home, where people s voices should be heard and responded to. Democracy is work in progress and should be inclusive and homegrown, and based on the rule of law, human rights and good governance. 4
v. Regional organizations have an important role in providing effective and relevant platforms for bringing stakeholders together that complement national and international governance structures. In this regard, the role of ASEAN in strengthening democracy, enhancing good governance and the rule of law, and promoting and protecting human rights is commendable. The projected ASEAN Human Rights Declaration signals democratic progress in the region that will contribute significantly to the advancement of democratic values to the global level. vi. The democratization of global governance has been making progress in certain parts of the UN System, bringing about steady expansion of space and opportunities for civil society engagement. vii. It is hoped that the process of setting up a post-2015 development agenda be framed in a people-centered way so as to build democratic global governance. viii. The upholding of the rule of law is an essential component to democratic global governance and an essential factor to achieving international peace and security. A just, equitable and fair application of the rule of law is essential to addressing current global challenges, which include intra-state conflicts and terrorism. ix. To promote global democratization, there should be simultaneous promotion of democracy within states, among states, including in regional and international organizations, and at the global level. The current global governance mechanism is widely viewed as lacking the features that make it relevant to the world of today; it is seen as not representative, and short on transparency and accountability. Developing countries must gain a greater voice in major global institutions. Whilst it is urgent to revitalize and reform the UNGA, the UNSC, and other global institutions, including the Bretton Woods Institutions, it is also vital to ensure that the international rule of law is applied evenhandedly. x. Democratic global governance flourishes in the framework of political pluralism, equality before the law, due process and respect for human rights. Such a framework contributes to international peace, security and economic development. xi. Democracy must thrive to deliver and meet emerging global challenges such as economic instability, food and energy crises, climate change and objectives in achieving MDGs. xii. The envisioned new global economic governance mechanism will reflect the changes in the world economy. Representation of emerging market economies and developing countries should increase. In this regards, the G20 may assume a more constructive role in the global economy. xiii. On peace and security, it is important to foster mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and better coordination. Nations should always resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiations and they should renounce the use or threat of use of force. 5
IV. INTERACTIVE SESSIONS 22. How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to International Peace and Security i. The President of Afghanistan, H.E. Hamid Karzai and the Prime Minister of Turkey, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, served as panelists in the Interactive Session I on How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to International Peace and Security. H.E. Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, the Indonesian Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs, facilitated this session. The session discussed two main issues, namely the challenges faced by the current global governance and efforts to make global governance more democratic. ii. The President of Afghanistan acknowledged that the democratization of global governance is an issue of tremendous importance. The current state of global governance is unable to address the complex difficulties that the world faces. The President of Afghanistan pointed out the shortcomings of the United Nations system in resolving matters of international peace and security, and proposed that world decision makers should rethink the approach to how global governance should deal with current issues. iii. The Prime Minister of Turkey stressed that the current global architecture, mainly the United Nations system, did not reflect the principle of equality among states, as some countries were afforded more privileges than others. Specifically, the Prime Minister raised the issue of the veto rights of the Permanent Five in the UN Security Council and how it had impeded efforts to ensure international peace and security. In this light, the ongoing Syrian conflict and the still unresolved matter of the Israel-Palestine issue were raised as issues that reflected the shortcomings of the current state of global governance. iv. In the question and answer session, three key issues were raised, namely the question of United Nations Security Council reform, including the question of the veto rights; the issue of Palestine s application for UN membership; and the steps that could be undertaken to realize more democratic global governance. The Panelists agreed that important decisions affecting global interests should reflect the views of the majority of countries and should not be determined by a small minority of powerful countries. 23. How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to the Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights i. The panelist for the interactive session II was H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. Prof. Dr. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, the Deputy Secretary to the Vice President for Political Affairs, served as facilitator. The session discussed how democratic global governance could promote effective enjoyment of human rights. ii. In his presentation, Prime Minister Xanana highlighted the need for the global community to adopt a fresh perspective on how to promote human rights based on the actual needs of the people on the ground. He further stressed that the international community and civil society organizations 6
should put their efforts in the context of the development programs of the country and work hand in hand with the government, instead of fingerpointing and blaming others. iii. The interactive debate discussed the importance of promoting equal access for all countries to the global decision-making process through dialogue, with a view to taking into account their needs and concerns. It also discussed the need for civil society to partner with governments on the basis of their better understanding of the respective country s problems and aspirations. 24. How Democratic Global Governance Contributes to Economic Development : i. The Vice-Minister of Finance of Indonesia facilitated the session, while the Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway served as Panelists. ii. In his remarks, the Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka pointed out the intimate connection between global governance and economic development and cited several needs of developing countries, including greater access to markets on the basis of equity, labor mobility, environmental sustainability and food security. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway also highlighted the close links between democratic global governance and economic growth and emphasized the need for more inclusiveness in economic development. iii. During the discussion, the following key points were underlined: a. Democracy and economic development are mutually reinforcing and should synergize with each other. The adoption of democratic values like good governance, transparency, equity and inclusiveness will deliver democratic dividends to the people. b. Interlinked and concerted efforts at the national, regional and global level are needed to provide economic benefits and to overcome various economic challenges. Strong democratic regional and global institutions play a critical role in addressing today s challenges. c. Emerging economies and developing countries should be given a greater role in international economic forums and financial institutions to ensure that forums are balanced and inclusive, and provide developing countries sufficient policy space to attend to their development needs. d. Economic crisis can spur reform. It took a global crisis to push global reform, particularly in such institutions as the G20, the IMF and other international financial institutions, and the Financial Stability Board. V. FUTURE DIRECTION 25. The Bali Democracy Forum shall be further enhanced as the premier intergovernmental forum in the region that focuses on the pursuit of democratization. The Forum will consistently reflect the common interest of participating countries in promoting and consolidating the values and principles of democracy in Asia and the Pacific. 7
26. As democracy is work in progress, the Forum continues to become relevant in addressing global political, economic and social challenges that require inclusive and constructive participation from countries so that it yield benefit and delivers tangible outcomes. 27. Considering the universal need to enhance democracy, the Forum has become a robust strategic platform for partnership in the promotion of democracy and political development in the region. In this regard, the Forum continues to advance technical cooperation so that participants can share ideas and views as well as exchange experiences and lessons learned in the spirit of inclusiveness, participation and a sense of ownership by all member countries. 28. Against this backdrop the Government of Indonesia is committed to sustain the Bali Democracy Forum in order to ensure that its recommendations as well as its goals and objectives are realized through the implementation of the programs and projects of its implementing agency, the Institute for Peace and Democracy. VI. CLOSING 29. Participating countries expressed their appreciation of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for organizing the BDF V and acknowledged the important contributions of participating states, regional/international organizations and individuals to the Forum as well as to the IPD. 30. They affirmed that the increasing number of participating countries and international organizations attested to the region s great interest in promoting democratic values. This reflected a high degree of comfort among countries in the region and their confidence in the Forum process. 31. The Forum acknowledged four events held on the sidelines of the BDF V, namely: (i) Indonesia-Egypt Dialogue on Constitutional Reform and Constitution Building, held on 4-7 November 2012 by the Institute for Peace and Democracy; (ii) Social Education Forum on BDF V with the theme, The role of civil society in supporting the implementation of democracy in Indonesia, held on 5 November 2012 in Bali under the auspices of the Indonesian Government; (iii) the Civil Society Conference on Advancing Substantive Democracy in Asia: the Roles of Civil Society and Democratic Governance, held on 5-6 November 2012 by Forum Asia; and (iv) the Fourth Bali Media Forum, which was held in Bali on 7-9 November 2012, by the Indonesian Press Council, which discussed Ethical Journalism and Citizens Media: Giving People a Voice in Support of Democracy. Bali, 9 November 2012 8