Bali Democracy Forum

The forum was initiated to help create a strong democratic architecture in the region by sharing experiences, best practices, and adhering to the principles of equality, mutual understanding, and respect.

[3] To date, the BDF has sought to advance democracy throughout the Asia Pacific region by promoting economic and political development, peace and security, and human rights, which are the three pillars of the United Nations.

This forum was chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, Kevin Rudd.

The goal of the first forum was to create solidarity among participating nations as they put forward a sustainable regional strategic agenda to strengthen democratic values and institutions.

This forum was chaired by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and the Prime Minister of Japan at that time, Yukio Hatoyama.

Political progress was considered important to create a balanced and conducive condition in Asia, as economic growth ultimately demands the enforcement of the rule of law and transparency.

The forum agreed that democracy should be able to generate democratic dividends that can be felt directly by the community, including the creation of peace and stability.

In the context of resolving a country's internal conflict, the importance of a dialogue mechanism that can ensure a peaceful transition of democracy was emphasized.

The fourth forum was held amid the wave of democratization and political change in the Middle East, commonly known as the Arab Spring.

The theme of the BDF VII was Evolving Regional Democratic Architecture: The Challenges of Political Development, Public Participation, and Socio-Economic Progress in the 21st Century.

The interactive discussion sessions had two sub-themes, “The Dynamics of Political Development and Socio-Economic Progress,” and “Promoting Active, Effective, and Meaningful Public Participation in the Democratic Process."

BDSC will also run in parallel with the BDF XI bearing the theme “Democracy for Prosperity: Youth’s Perspective” as well as the Bali Civil Society and Media Forum (BCSMF).

BDF Chapter Tunis was attended by fifty participants from high-level officials and academics from five North African Countries (Tunisia, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt).

BDF Chapter Berlin was attended by more than one-hundred and twenty delegates, among others from German Government, European Commission, Diplomatic Corps, academics, think tanks, and International NGO's from several countries namely England, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, India, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Armenia.