on Friday affirmed it is necessary to move from electoral democracy to effective democracy —one that guarantees the rights to health, education, potable water, equal opportunities, housing, employment, and dignified treatment.
Within this framework, the Head of State argued that this implies fighting poverty, inequality, and exclusion with greater determination, as well as deepening international solidarity to turn a new global social contract into a reality —as proposed by
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in accordance with the
2030 Agenda.
The top official said the challenges faced by democracy also involve guaranteeing the rule of law, the balance of powers, the independence of justice administration systems, as well as freedoms of the press and expression.
The President announced that our country will continue promoting the fight against corruption —both at the hemispheric and global levels— in order to build a joint response that prevents impunity, money laundering, and other criminal activities.
"We are convinced that the greatest defense of democracy is a citizenry whose demands are met by an honest, efficient, and transparent State," he said in his speech.
Moreover, Mr. Castillo pointed out that Peru will continue to advocate, at international forums, so that all nations can rely on equitable access to diagnostics, therapies, medicines, and vaccines, as well as to the components required for the response to COVID-19, as it is necessary to move towards a more solid and inclusive health system.
"The pandemic has not caused a new problem, but has increased many of those that already existed. The greatest challenge we face is to get out of this crisis and build a fairer, more equitable, more developed, and more democratic society," he emphasized.
More than 110 presidents and leaders participated in the dialogues with the aim of reflecting on the situation of democracy around the world, as well as of identifying actions that contribute to its institutional strengthening and stability.
The debate is centered on three main topics: strengthening democracy; fighting corruption; and promoting respect for human rights.
(END) NDP/MVB