Guarding Democracy: CALD Launches its 2024 Annual Report

This 2025, the global political landscape remains uncertain. The aftermath of Donald Trump’s return to power has raised widespread concerns about the future of democracy in the US and beyond. In Asia, the outcomes of the elections in the Philippines and Singapore are uncertain, while Thailand and Indonesia continue to grapple with political instability and military influence in government. Tensions with China remain high in Taiwan, and in Malaysia, ongoing power struggles continue to challenge democratic institutions. Meanwhile, in Cambodia and Hongkong, opposition figures are still being targeted, silenced, or forced into exile. Amidst these challenges, the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) officially launched its 2024 Annual Report, entitled Guarding Democracy.

In his message, CALD Chairperson and Cambodian Senator Mardi Seng stated: “While Southeast and East Asia experienced one of its ‘darkest nights’ in 2024, there were also notable ‘bright lights’ that continue to illuminate the path of those who are fighting for democracy and freedom… Our present circumstances may have been eclipsed by the shadows of populist authoritarians, but this is also when our liberal and democratic values shine the brightest.” This unwavering commitment and enduring hope are captured throughout the annual report, which serves as a record of CALD’s efforts to promote democracy and safeguard freedom across the region.

The report features CALD’s projects and activities for the past year. From election observation missions in Taipei and Jakarta, to Smart Mobility workshops in Trenggalek and Khon Kaen, executive mission in Japan, and leadership workshop in Singapore, the report highlights the organization’s efforts in regional collaboration, youth and women’s empowerment, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Another milestone was the launch of CALD’s AI Policy Report, which delved into the opportunities and challenges of AI in governance, democracy and society. The report also featured the three-year Smart Mobility Project of CALD which concluded in 2024. While it ran for just a few years, the project achieved a remarkable number of milestones and made an impact on our member parties’ efforts to improve local government transportation systems.

The inaugural address of Taiwan president William Lai is also highlighted in the report, together with Taiwan Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao’s “Can Taiwan Play a Leadership Role in the Asia Pacific?,” Former Philippine Vice President’s Leni Robredo’s “Twists, Turns, and Triumphs,” Former Philippine Senator Leila de Lima’s “Liberal-Democratic Values as Sources of Strength,” Seng’s “Readying for Trump 2.0,” CALD Executive Director Lito Arlegue’s “Navigating Challenges & Embracing Opportunities,” Liberal International President and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Chairperson Karl Heinz Paque’s “In Praise of Taiwan & the DPP,” and Philippine Professor and Political Analyst Julio Teehankee’s “Who’s Afraid of AI?.”

“As we continue our journey through an uncertain path, CALD remains resolute,” said CALD Secretary General Blue Abaya in the Annual Report. “With steadfast dedication to the liberal principles that guide us, we are confident in our collective capacity to achieve our shared goal of creating an inclusive, just, and equitable environment where individual freedoms, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld.”

As we face the challenges ahead, we invite you to explore CALD’s 2024 journey through this report. May the stories, milestones, and lessons it contains inspire hope, ignite the fire within us, and reaffirm our commitment to guarding democracy.