Program Summary
With the goal of encouraging democratic development in the Islamic world, the UNDP and NDI are co-sponsoring a major international conference for democratic political leaders from predominately Muslim countries around the globe to share successes, challenges and strategies of democratic governance. Participants will come from nearly 15 nations that have made basic progress toward democracy by taking steps such as holding credible elections, establishing a multi-party system and developing an active civil society.
Scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkey in April 12-15, 2004, the Congress of Democrats from the Islamic World is the first global political convention of its kind.
Background
For many years a scholarly debate has ensued over the compatibility of democratic principles and Islam. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the debate has intensified. Governments, politicians, religious leaders and civil society organizations have drafted papers, attended conferences and listened to the many opinions on this subject.
A growing number of democratic Muslims around the world are ready to declare an end to the debate. From Morocco to Turkey to Indonesia, these political leaders point to the numerous examples of predominantly Muslim nations and political parties that are striving for and achieving democratic governance as evidence that Islamic culture and religious practice are compatible with democratic principles. In moving beyond the debate and towards practical governance, these democrats from the Islamic world are looking for opportunities to establish networks that would help demonstrate their successes in developing effective and modern public policy and seek support to strengthen their programs and policies. These leaders also understand the valuable example they are setting for their colleagues in other Islamic countries that have been less enthusiastic about adopting democratic principles and processes, and hope that by demonstrating their own success stories, they might attract the interest and following of others.
Program Description
There is a desire among democrats from the Islamic world to learn from each other's experience, and to set a political platform that highlights their goals and accomplishments while giving other Islamic countries similar goals to pursue.
Participants in the Congress will be current or former government officials, parliamentarians and political leaders from ruling and opposition parties who have a proven individual record of democratic commitment and achievement. They will discuss a range of issues facing their nations and others with majority Muslim populations:
the role of a democratic rule of law in Islamic societies;
strategies for increasing the involvement of women and youth in political life; and
means of strengthening relationships between political organizations and civil society.
Amidst discussions of these and other topics, participants and advisors will work together to set a platform for the development of state and local governments in accordance with Islamic tenets and democratic principles. This platform would highlight successes while setting clear benchmarks for the forces of democratization in other Islamic countries.
Contact Information
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