DALLAS—Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will virtually join President George W. Bush for a conversation during The Struggle for Freedom event hosted by the George W. Bush Institute in partnership with Freedom House and the National Endowment for Democracy in Dallas on Nov. 16. The pair will discuss Ukraine’s commitment to democracy. In addition, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will provide virtual remarks on advancing the cause of liberty.
To watch the conversation, register for the livestream at bushcenter.org/struggleforfreedom.
Members of the media can apply for credentials at www.bushcenter.org/credentials.
“Fearless supporters of freedom around the world remain undeterred, even in the face of threats, such as those in Ukraine following Vladimir Putin’s unjustified decision to invade that country,” said David J. Kramer, Executive Director of the Bush Institute. “We are honored to have courageous leaders like President Zelenskyy and President Tsai participate in our event in support of democracy and human rights. We stand with the people of both Ukraine and Taiwan as they defend their right to live freely.”
The Struggle for Freedom will gather activists, experts, and leaders to offer recommendations on ways to advance freedom and democracy. Topics to be examined include 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.
“Around the world, dictators are growing bolder in their attacks on human rights, while democracies are back on their heels,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, President of Freedom House. “We at Freedom House are honored to join the Bush Institute and the National Endowment for Democracy to organize this day-long discussion of how we can work together across partisan lines to go on offense, stem the tide of authoritarianism, and expand freedom for all people.”
Other event participants will include 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 confirmed speakers, click here.
“We’re at an inflection point in the competition between autocratic and democratic systems,” said Damon Wilson, President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy. “Today, free societies face complex challenges posed by the digital revolution, potent forms of internationalized corruption, and authoritarian regimes bent on altering the global rules of the road to their liking. These circumstances mean that we need to raise our game and compete with more purpose and determination to secure a democratic future.”
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What: The Struggle for Freedom event
When: November 16, 2022
Where: The George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75205
Members of the media can apply for credentials at www.bushcenter.org/credentials. Additional information regarding credentials confirmation, parking, facility access, interviews and other details will be sent to media representatives who complete the credentialing process on the Bush Center website. All members of the media–reporters, photographers, videographers and crew–are required to have and display credentials in order to cover The Struggle for Freedom.
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
