Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2023

March 29, 2023

The United States and the Republic of Korea share deep bonds, rooted in our common democratic values and respect for human rights, and we are committed to further strengthening our robust political, economic, security, and people-to-people ties.

As a reflection of this work, we are looking forward to co-hosting the second Summit for Democracy today to continue building the connections among democracies, so that we can better deliver for the needs of our people and the world. And today, we are announcing that the Republic of Korea will host a future, third Summit.

The Republic of Korea's democratic institutions are a beacon of strength in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrate to the world that democracy fosters the conditions needed to cultivate continued security and prosperity. In recent years, the Republic of Korea has emerged as a global leader, in no small part because of the enduring commitment of the Korean people to increasing governmental transparency, ensuring effective checks and balances, and developing laws that are responsive to public needs.

Since 2021, the Summit for Democracy process has brought together hundreds of leaders from governments, civil society, and the private sector committed to strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and advancing the fight against corruption.

Participating governments have made hundreds of commitments to reform laws and policies, bolster transparent and accountable institutions, and contribute additional support to democratic reformers, journalists, and activists. Non-governmental organizations have used the Summit for Democracy platform to expand their own vital work of protecting the most vulnerable and holding their leaders to account. Corporations have taken action to improve democratic resilience through their business practices and engagement with workers, communities, and other stakeholders.

Strengthening transparent, accountable governance rooted in the consent of the governed is a fundamental imperative of our time. Cooperation among strong, resilient democracies is essential to tackling the world's greatest challenges: safeguarding shared security and prosperity, addressing the climate crisis, promoting global health and pandemic preparedness, and ensuring new and emerging technologies work for, and not against, democratic societies.

We are proud to continue our work together to ensure that the momentum built by the first two Summits for Democracy will continue into the future and reflect this effort's global leadership.

NOTE: An original was not available for verification of the content of this joint statement.

Categories: Joint Statements : South Korea, President Yoon. Names: Yoon Suk Yeol.

Subjects: Civil and human rights, U.S. promotion efforts; Climate change; Democratization, global efforts; Indo-Pacific, economic and security cooperation; Pandemic disease prevention, international cooperation; South Korea, defense relationship with U.S.; South Korea, President; South Korea, relations with U.S.; Summit for Democracy.

DCPD Number: DCPD202300242.