In the lead-up to the second Summit for Democracy, the Brookings Institution hosted a webinar to mark the release of a civil society-led Declaration of Democratic Principles. The declaration—coordinated by Freedom House, the George W. Bush Institute, and the McCain Institute—included the contributions of 14 cohorts established during the “Year of Action” following the first Summit for Democracy in December 2021. The event examined how to advance these principles and tackle the world’s greatest corruption, democracy, and security challenges.

On March 27, the Governance Studies at Brookings convened this expert panel to highlight the achievements and challenges in the “Year of Action.” The discussion unpacked the ways that civil society, the private sector, and governments can work together to strengthen democracy, fight corruption, and promote respect for human rights.