MANILA – The Philippines and the United States committed to institutionalize discussions on human rights and democracy issues through the launching of the first ever Philippines-U.S. Democracy Dialogue held last 10-11 September 2024.
The first day of the dialogue featured bilateral discussions on various issues, which gave the Philippines an opportunity to highlight its efforts and leadership in “driving open governments as vital for democratic consolidation and socio-economic development of all countries.”
“The first day of the democracy dialogue featured bilateral discussions that spanned various issues broadly classified into the following agenda items: accountable governance; economic, social and cultural rights; civil and political rights; and emerging human rights challenges,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The meeting provided the opportunity for the two countries to discuss respective advocacies and explore and align initiatives in support of protection and promotion of human rights, the DFA statement added.
Both delegations discussed shared interests in transparency, inclusiveness, fighting corruption, empowering citizens, and harnessing new technologies for good governance, the DFA mentioned.
A full session was also devoted to addressing emerging human rights challenges, including the impacts of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Both sides underscored the importance of cooperation to fight disinformation and ensure accurate information reaches the public, and protecting vulnerable groups.
Also discussed during the dialogue is the connection of human rights and climate change and how this can impact climate justice, climate financing, and taking account of loss and damage, the DFA reiterated.
Meanwhile, the DFA mentioned that the second day of the dialogue featured roundtable discussions between the two governments and civil society organizations representing media and journalists, labour, victims of terrorism, and environmental, indigenous and children’s rights groups.
“This engagement demonstrated our continuing commitment to involve as many civil society partners in open discussions on human rights and democracy, and in moving the same forward and farther as a common advocacy,” the DFA emphasized.
In his opening remarks as the Philippine Co-Chair, DFA Assistant Secretary for American Affairs José Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga noted that the new dialogue mechanism is anchored on the historic and multi-faceted alliance of the Philippines and the United States, which is fundamentally shaped by our shared values and commitment to democracy and social justice.
The second Philippines-U.S. Democracy Dialogue is scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. in 2025, the DFA confirmed.
