5th High Level Meeting of the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Democracy

In recognition of the contribution and experiences of Regional Organizations in democracy building in conflict affected and fragile states, the Fifth High Level Meeting of the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Democracy reflected on the theme of “Building Peace and Democracy in Conflict Affected and Fragile States: The Role of Regional Organizations”. The Meeting was hosted by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, represented by H.E. Dr. Aisha Labara Abdulllahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission. The Meeting was facilitated by International IDEA Secretary-General, Yves Leterme and had a Keynote Address by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon represented by Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union.

Over time, Regional Organizations have increasingly become key actors in efforts to support democratic governance, peace and security. They have, in accordance with their respective mandates, established strong legal frameworks and implementation mechanisms to support peace-building processes and the establishment and strengthening of inclusive and representative democratic institutions in post-conflict countries and countries in transition. Interventions by Regional Organizations have included supporting formal opportunities for women and youth to be formally and actively involved in the peace process and in post-conflict reconstruction, including in political life. Regional Organizations will – and will have to – play a key role in the achievement of peaceful and inclusive societies, respect for the rule of law and effective and capable institutions. More broadly they will be among the key implementers of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and in particular of goal 16 to “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”.

At the Fifth High Level Meeting the Heads and Representatives of the Regional Organizations discussed the experiences and lessons learned in building democracy in conflict affected and fragile states. In particular the meeting identified synergies for inter-regional cooperation, including with the UN, to enhance and strengthen democracy in conflict affected and fragile states, focusing on concrete measures to strengthen the effectiveness of the work of regional organizations in building democracy in conflict-affected and fragile states. The Meeting also looked at how regional organizations can make use of information and communication technologies, such as the internet and social media, to strengthen their democracy support work and improve their outreach especially to the youth. The Fifth High Level Meeting followed the Chatham House rule. A communique, which serves as the outcome document of discussions, is available.

Several events were organized in conjunction with the High Level Meeting, namely the Policy Round Table with Africa Focus on “Combatting Unconstitutional Rule in Africa: Stocktaking and options for the future for the African Union”. The Senior Officials Meeting, a working level meeting where the planning and priorities of the IRDD are discussed and agreed upon with the partners. Further, following the Fifth High Level Meeting of the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Democracy a Press Conference allowed our Secretary-General and the Political Affairs Commissioner of the AUC to brief journalists from local and international media about the Meeting and more in general about the work of International IDEA in Africa. In the afternoon of the 16th October an animated Policy Round Table organized by the African Union Commission allowed regional organizations, representatives of the AU Member States and civil society to exchange ideas, debate challenges and put forward possible solutions to democracy support in conflict affected and fragile states.

The events concluded with the Book Launch  for the publication “Democratic Transitions: Conversations with World Leaders".

Furthermore, IDEA and the AUC organized a photo exhibition under the title “Democracy and Resistance” the exhibition showcased the work of various African photographer, putting together the words from “Democratic Transitions: Conversations with World Leaders" publication with the images of actors of democratic transitions.

The Council of Europe expressed its readiness to host the Sixth High Level Meeting of the IRDD towards the end of 2016 in Strasbourg on the theme "Regional Organizations and the Promotion of Gender Equality and the Political Empowerment of Women". A Inter-Regional Workshop and the production of several discussion papers will precede the Sixth High Level Meeting.