The Community of Democracies is a global intergovernmental coalition of countries whose main goal is to promote democratic principles and standards. It was set up at the international Ministerial Conference "Towards the Community of Democracies" convened in Warsaw in June 2000 at the initiative of Polish Foreign Minister Professor Bronisław Geremek and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The Warsaw Declaration, the Community's founding document, sets out the commitment of governments to cooperate on democracy-related matters within the existing international organisations and to form coalitions in order to support resolutions and actions that advance democracy.

Its global character is the strength of the Community of Democracies, as it allows the exchange of views and coordination of positions between countries from different cultural circles. It offers an opportunity to influence transitioning countries so that they can embrace modern democratic standards.

Poland is one of the founders and the host of the Community's Permanent Secretariat. Holding the presidency of the Community of Democracies, we will look forward to a further strengthening of democratic values worldwide.

Presidency of the Community of Democracies represents a particularly important role for us, given the history of our country, which has undergone profound political, economic and social transformation into a stable democratic system that is open to transferring its experience to other societies. Promoting democracy is one of Poland's foreign policy priorities.

Sharing its experiences as an advocate of democracy, Poland builds instruments of mutual trust that help establish enduring relations with transition countries. On the other hand, another priority involves strengthening Poland's position in bilateral relations with the key partners who define the democratisation agenda along similar lines. Joint actions for the promotion of democracy and systemic transformation contribute significantly to the strengthening of bilateral political links and have a positive impact on bilateral cooperation also in other areas.

As part of our presidency of the Community of Democracies, Poland intends to organise a Governing Council meeting in Warsaw this June, which will be attended by representatives of its 29 participating states.

The meeting will discuss young people's participation in public life, educating civil society in how to use the internet safely, and sustainable development and democracy. The above issues naturally fit into Poland's foreign policy priorities as regards the democratisation agenda and human rights.

Poland's presidency of the Community of Democracies follows that of the United Kingdom and precedes Romania's.

 

MFA Press Office