Report of the Independent Expert on the promotion
of a democratic and equitable international order
Interactive Dialogue, 10 September 2013
We wish to comment on the report on 'promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
CIVICUS welcomes your report Mr. de Zayas, in particular as you focus on participation. This comes at a time when in general it is recognized that participation of a free and vibrant civil society is a fundamental building block of democratic societies and a means to promoting economic and social development.
We also could not agree more on your observation that reforms are necessary in global decision-making forums to ensure equitable participation of states – large and small. The UN Security Council and Bretton Woods institutions are based on 20th century power structures and certainly do not reflect either the needs nor the realities of the 21st century.
Delivered by Renate Bloem
