IDU Forum Asia-Pacific 2024
From Wednesday, April 3 until Friday, April 5, the International Democracy Union had the pleasure of hosting the IDU Asia-Pacific Forum in Wellington, New Zealand.
The Opening Reception on Wednesday evening was hosted at Premier House, the official residence of New Zealand’s Prime Minister. IDU Chairman and 22nd Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, opened the reception by welcoming heads of state and government, as well as other distinguished guests representing IDU member-parties from around the world. Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, followed, welcoming everyone to New Zealand. Earlier in the day, IDU members met at the Campaign Managers Meeting to share best practices and learn about tactical and ethical challenges in modern campaigning, particularly regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence. Thank you to our exclusive training partners at the Leadership Institute for running this session.
On Thursday, the IDU Forum Asia-Pacific opened for the first time. Highly esteemed speakers discussed the most pressing issues of our time. IDU panels focused on economic and foreign security, how best to equip emerging democracies with the tools they need to sustain free societies, how to ensure that the rule of law is paramount in diplomacy, how to support freedom and freedom in times of conflict, and how to forge successful partnerships in an uncertain world. The panelists highlighted the need to come together in support of our shared values of political liberty, personal freedom, equality of opportunity, and economic development under the rule of law. This was particularly evident in the speakers’ discussion on the People’s Republic of China. It was noted that the region’s reliance on China presents both challenges and opportunities to ensure that our values are central in the region’s trading and diplomatic relations. Thanks to all panelists and moderators for helping make this Forum a success.
Hosting this regional forum allowed the Asia Pacific Democracy Union (APDU) to convene in person. The APDU took the opportunity to meet and elect a new chair. Congratulations to Hon. Judith Collins for being elected Chair of the APDU and best wishes in her efforts to strengthen the IDU network in the region. The day concluded with the IDU Forum 2024 Dinner which was opened by Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, followed by speeches from, the 30th Prime Minister of Australia Hon. Scott Morrison, the 13th Taoiseach of Ireland Enda Kenny, and Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon.
Thank you to all speakers and participants, as well as to our partners, for this outstanding evening. In particular, we want to thank IDU’s Platinum Partner Worldwide Support for Development and our Gold Partner Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC.