CALD is Asia Democracy Network’s Newest Associate Member

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) was officially made an associate member of Asia Democracy Network (ADN) during the latter’s 4^th General Assembly and 14^th Governing Council Meeting.

Held on 29-30 April in Jakarta, Indonesia, the events, which convened representatives of ADN’s ten current members, acted favorably on CALD’s application for membership.  Apart from CALD, ADN also welcomed the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus and Asian Indigenous People’s Pact to its growing family.

ADN’s vision is “to promote and advance democratization and democratic governance at all levels of society through effective solidarity and cooperation among civil society organizations and democracy advocates in Asia.”  More specifically, its goal is “ to build a stronger regional democracy network and movement engaged effectively in international advocacy and engagement with governments, inter-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in Asia and beyond.”

In CALD’s application to the ADN, then CALD Chairperson Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, noted that CALD wants to be part of the ADN because it “believes that unity and solidarity among democratic forces are needed during these critical times when anti-democratic actors are working together to undermine democracy, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. He added: “CALD believes that our membership in ADN can be a mutually beneficial relationship in terms of knowledge transfer, political advocacy and network-building. At this critical juncture in Asia’s democratic development, such partnership is needed so we can be in a better position to address the challenges of authoritarianism, illiberalism, populism, among other democratic threats.”

CALD Executive Director Lito Arlegue represented CALD during the Jakarta events. He said: “On behalf of the CALD Executive Committee, I welcome the decision of the ADN’s Governing Council to grant an associate member status to CALD.  This membership is also in line with the vision of the current CALD leadership to forge cooperation and solidarity with other democratic actors. We in CALD are excited to work with the ADN on programs that advance democracy and uphold human rights in the Asian region.”