Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen provided virtual remarks on advancing the cause of liberty.
DALLAS — President George W. Bush joined David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute, for a discussion during The Struggle for Freedom event hosted by the Bush Institute in partnership with Freedom House and the National Endowment for Democracy today in Dallas. The pair discussed the importance of U.S. support for democracy and freedom around the world, especially in places like Ukraine.
“Should we care in America about whether or not people can live in a free and peaceful society? The answer at the Bush Center is a resounding ‘absolutely,’” said President Bush.
“If the United States does not lead, the world will not follow. If the United States doesn’t keep the lead on Ukraine, it’s less likely that European nations will want to support the Ukrainians. Our leadership is indispensable for collective action against autocracy,” President Bush added.
Prior to the conversation, President and Mrs. Bush met with dissidents and activists participating in the event who are from Russia, China, North Korea, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela.
In addition, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen provided virtual remarks on advancing the cause of liberty.
Watch her remarks and read the transcript.
The Struggle for Freedom event gathered activists, experts, and leaders to offer recommendations on ways to advance freedom and democracy. Topics examined include the global struggle for freedom, pushing back against the authoritarian threat, the impact of emerging technologies, how the United States can help support democracy and human rights abroad, and sports and human rights.
Other event participants included Alice Albright, CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation, Stephen Biegun, former Deputy Secretary of State, Paula Dobriansky, former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, Natalia Arno, President of the Free Russia Foundation, Daniel Twinning, President of the International Republican Institute, Scott Carpenter, Managing Director of Jigsaw, and Joey Cheek, 2006 Olympic Champion. For a full list of speakers and additional information, click here
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About the George W. Bush Institute
The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at www.bushcenter.org.
About Freedom House
Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. It informs the world about threats to freedom, mobilizes global action, and supports democracy’s defenders. Visit freedomhouse.org to learn more.
About the National Endowment for Democracy
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, nonprofit, grant-making foundation dedicated to the development and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. NED, along with four core institutes—the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise—provides assistance to strengthen democratic institutions and political processes; trade unions; free markets; and business associations, in addition to supporting a vibrant civil society that support human rights, an independent media, and the rule of law. With an annual appropriation from Congress, NED funds more than 2,000 grants in 100 countries. NED’s grants program is augmented by the International Forum for Democratic Studies, a research center that publishes the Journal of Democracy; the World Movement for Democracy; and the Center for International Media Assistance.
