Washington, D.C.–Following the Summit for Democracy 2023, the U.S. Department of State is highlighting the Business & Democracy Initiative as one of the major private sector commitments to defend and strengthen democracy at home and around the globe.
U.S. Department of State:
Private Sector Commitments to Advance Democracy
“In the run-up to the Summit for Democracy, the U.S. government issued a
Call to Advance Democracy. The call focused on four areas aligned with the
Presidential Initiative on Democratic Renewal: advancing technology for democracy; fighting corruption; protecting civic space and human rights defenders; and advancing labor rights.
“We are pleased to share a variety of commitments that private sector actors have made in response to the Call or in connection with the Summit for Democracy. Companies – like governments – can do more to support democracy and human rights globally, especially at a time when malign actors often exploit corporations’ products to systematically undermine democracy around the world. The steps below could be helpful in addressing important challenges if implemented in earnest and matched with additional action.
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The Business & Democracy Initiative: Serving as a Point of Connection for the Private Sector to Engage in the Work of Defending Democracy
“The Business & Democracy Initiative is a coalition of business leaders and organizations organized by the Black Economic Alliance, Leadership Now Project, and Public Private Strategies. It is committed to defending democracy, with a focus on the United States’ elections and democratic institutions, and learning from peers working in the private sector and civil society across the globe. The Business & Democracy Initiative commits to convening business leaders in at least five states in 2023 to provide unbiased education on the state of democracy and opportunities for engagement; to convene private sector leaders on the need to protect businesses from government interference in their ability to conduct business and speak freely; and to amplify business leaders’ voices on the mutually beneficial connection between a strong democracy and a strong, stable economic climate, and the risks to the private sector when civic space is weaponized by those who would undermine democratic institutions.”
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