(The spoken word prevails)
 
The Speaker’s address at DIPD’s New Year’s reception, January 30, 2025

Dear guests,

Thank you for inviting me to speak at DIPD’s traditional New Year’s reception.

This gathering is an excellent opportunity to meet those who work tirelessly to promote democratic societies around the world – both through official diplomatic channels and grassroots efforts alongside local communities.

At its core, DIPD’s work represents one of the most vital missions I can imagine. What could be more important than giving people a voice? What could be more meaningful than helping people take responsibility and shape the framework of their own lives?

In Denmark, we are privileged when it comes to democracy and solid structures of society. Our democracy dates back more than 175 years. We have high levels of trust in public authorities and our judicial system. When we apply for a building permit or resolve an issue with local government, there’s no money changing hands under the table.

But to me, democracy isn’t just a form of governance. It also comes with a responsibility – a shared obligation to make the world a better place. Democracy is the pathway to peace, stability, and progress. Both locally and globally.

When DIPD supports the development of democracy around the world, it benefits local communities in partner countries. But it also benefits us here in Denmark.

The world is global and local at the same time. We are interconnected. Unrest and upheaval far from Denmark can quickly feel much closer. So, when DIPD shares Danish experiences with political parties and democratic governance, it’s also an investment in our own future.

Since its establishment by law in 2010, DIPD has worked with the full backing of all parliamentary parties. The unanimous support reflects the strength and significance of DIPD’s mission. While we may disagree on many issues, we all agree that democracy is the best form of governance – or the least flawed one. And we agree that political parties are the pillars of a well-functioning democracy.

The idea behind DIPD remains as relevant today as ever: Make sure that political parties and other democratic actors can learn from one another. We achieve better results together than we ever could alone.

Although Denmark has a long democratic tradition, we don’t have all the answers for how democracy should work in an African or Asian country. How to strengthen multi-party democracy in Nepal. Or how to build a democratic alternative to the authoritarian regime in Nicaragua. But in Denmark, we do have some experiences that others use in their own work.

This is at the heart of DIPD’s important mission: to offer advice while respecting local contexts. For change to take root, it must be driven by collaboration and local ownership.
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It’s easy to lose heart when reflecting on the current state of democracy. The trend is going in the wrong direction.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the traffic light was green. There was an optimistic – almost euphoric – belief that democracy would spread in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union.  We thought the world would learn from history. We believed democracy would advance. And for a time, it did.

But now the traffic light is yellow – moving towards red.

On paper, there are more democracies than ever before. But in many places, the quality of democracy is declining. This isn’t just the case in newer democracies but also in more established ones. We’re seeing setbacks in areas like press freedom, judicial independence, and corruption.

This trend runs counter to what people want. People don’t want less democracy – they want more and better democracy. They want to be heard. They want to be involved and have a say in decisions that affect them.

No one wants to be governed by leaders they haven’t elected.

This negative development mustn’t make us lose heart. Quite the opposite – it calls for action.

Democracy isn’t something we have; it’s something we do. Together.

Democracy requires attention, participation, and renewal to stay strong and relevant.

This is why DIPD’s role in keeping the flame of democracy alive is so essential, especially in places where democracy is less solid.

Here in Denmark, we have something valuable to offer. We have years of experience with multi-party systems and a society where participation and shared decision-making are central principles.

We know that strong institutions, a free press, and an informed population are the best defenses against the slippery slope of power becoming concentrated and unaccountable.

On this foundation, DIPD makes a difference by advising and forming partnerships across the globe.
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Let me conclude by wishing DIPD another productive year in service of democracy.

On behalf of the entire Danish Parliament, I wish continued success for the excellent initiatives DIPD carries out in collaboration with local partners.

And with that in mind, I’d like to propose a toast to your important work and success. 

Cheers!