Seventh Bali Democracy Forum To Be Held On Oct 10-11

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII will be held at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Bali, on October 20-11, 2014, according to a press statement of the foreign affairs ministry.

The theme of BDF VII is "Evolving Regional Democratic Architecture: the Dynamics of Political Development, Socio-Economic Progress and Public Participation in the Democratic Process".

Indonesia believes that democracy is a key element in the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Many nations in the region accept that universality of democratic values, such as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and a shared adherence to these values, should help consolidate peace, stability and prosperity in the region, the ministry said in the statement, Saturday.

It is with this view in mind, the Government of Indonesia initiated in 2008, the intergovernmental Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) as an annual forum of foreign ministers from Asia-Pacific countries that are democratic or are aspiring to be more democratic.

The BDF, which is inclusive and open, is therefore designed to promote dialogue and cooperation in democracy toward good governance and political development through sharing of experiences and best practices that adhere to the principles of equality, understanding and mutual respect.

In the meetings, leaders and participants will also discuss the sub-themes which are  Dynamics of Political Development and Socio-Economic Progress; and Promoting Active, Effective and Meaningful Public Participation in the Democratic Process.

The Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) initiated by Indonesia in 2008, is an annual, inclusive and open intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia Pacific region.

The forum is aimed to promote and foster regional and international cooperation in the field of peace and democracy through dialogue-based on sharing experiences and best practices that adhere to the principle of equality, mutual respect and understanding, with the participating countries sharing its ownership. (WDY)