German Marshall Fund of the United States’ Post

Ahead of Thursday's vote, CONCORD Director Tanya Cox urges Ursula von der Leyen to prioritise feminist EU principles in the new college of commissioners. A feminist EU Commission is crucial to ensure peace, prosperity and well-being for people and planet. 🔊 "A commission focused on power, competition, patriarchy and neocolonial approaches will guarantee we all lose in a zero-sum game. Increasing our security, our stability and our prosperity at the expense of others can only backfire in the long term. A feminist Commission with a feminist vision will enable us all to win by treating global stability and prosperity as a collaborative effort. The choices leaders make now matter." Read the article ⬇

Principle of equality The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races. The United Nations has been concerned with this issue since its foundation and the prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments. It places obligations on States and tasks them with eradicating discrimination in the public and private spheres. The principle of equality also requires States to adopt special measures to eliminate conditions that cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination.

A union of Equality! Have a look at the political guidelines set-out by Ursula von der Leyen for the next term of the European Commission (2024-2027). During her speech at the European Parliament yesterday, Ursula von der Leyen set out her "political guidelines" for the next 5 years. From, amongst others, a new Clean Industrial Deal and a renewed focus on competitiveness, innovation and the reduction of bureaucracy to the set-up of a European Savings and Investments Union and an increased attention on both the security of the Union as well as quality of life within the Union, these guidelines hold a very interesting read for Board members to assess the direction of the European economy and society. She also underlined the need to continue working towards a Union of Equality. Although historic progress was made from women on boards to the new pay directive, the new Commission will continue its work to strengthen and promote gender equality. A new Gender Equality Strategy for post-2025 was announced. We can also expect a Roadmap for women's rights at the next International Women's day! Very much looking forward to see what the future holds! We will certainly keep you posted! #EuropeanCommission #genderequality #womenonboards #diversityandinclusion #boardmembers

The Rising Threat of the Extreme Right to European Democracy: A Looming Challenge In the heart of Europe, the specter of far-right ideologies casts a shadow over the cherished principles of democracy and pluralism. Germany's "Alternative für Deutschland" (AfD) and France's "Rassemblement National" (RN) stand as prominent symbols of this menacing trend, posing profound challenges to the very fabric of liberal democracies. As these parties gain traction, the question arises: are we witnessing a fundamental threat to the stability of democracy? The rise of AfD in Germany and RN in France reflects a broader societal discontent, fueled by economic anxieties, cultural insecurities, and a backlash against globalization. These parties capitalize on fears of immigration, multiculturalism, and perceived threats to national identity. Their rhetoric, often tinged with xenophobia and nationalism, resonates with segments of the population disillusioned with mainstream politics. The danger lies not only in the extremist ideologies espoused by these parties but also in their potential to undermine democratic institutions and norms. AfD and RN seek to exploit democratic processes to advance their illiberal agendas, challenging the principles of equality, tolerance, and rule of law. Their anti-establishment stance and populist appeals sow division and erode social cohesion, threatening the very foundations of pluralistic societies. Moreover, the mainstreaming of far-right ideologies normalizes extremism and emboldens fringe elements, risking a dangerous shift in the political landscape. The erosion of democratic norms paves the way for authoritarian tendencies, posing a grave danger to the inclusive and participatory nature of liberal democracies. As we approach 2025, the political confrontation with the far-right poses a critical test for European democracies. The current administrations must confront these challenges head-on, reaffirming their commitment to liberal values and resisting the encroachment of extremist ideologies. This requires not only robust legal frameworks to counter hate speech and discrimination but also proactive efforts to address the underlying grievances driving support for far-right parties. In conclusion, the threat posed by the extreme right to European democracy cannot be understated. The rise of parties like AfD and RN presents a formidable challenge to the stability and integrity of democratic institutions. As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing political landscape, safeguarding the principles of democracy and pluralism remains paramount. It is only through concerted efforts to uphold these values that Europe can confront the rising tide of extremism and preserve its democratic soul.

For entirety of the Pacific, Marshall Islands is passionate about reviewing all Human Rights mechanisms towards full enjoyment of life, clean and sustainable environment for all children, women and men. The Marshall Islands and the greater Pacific Islands demand truths for the testing of the nuclear weapons programs, and large countries to urgently implement our climate change adaptation strategies as the most vulnerable countries facing the adversaries of sea-level rise, droughts, coral bleaching, land erosion, plants scarcity, food security, and other fundamental challenges.

Happy Republic Day. May the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity guide us on the path of progress and unity. #republicday #republicday2024 #happyrepublicday #happyrepublicdayindia #happyrepublicday2024 #saliconnanotechnology

On International Democracy Day, we recognize the importance of holding power accountable and ensuring that every individual has a voice. A true democracy thrives on participation, equality, and justice, where collective action shapes the future. Let’s honor these values today and every day, striving for a world where fairness and inclusion guide our path forward. #InternationalDemocracyDay #FoundationOfJustice #AccountabilityMatters #EveryVoiceCounts #PowerToThePeople #forewoed #InclusiveSociety #GlobalDemocracy #EqualityForAll #CelebrateDemocracy

🌍 Today, we celebrate International Democracy Day! 🗳️✨ Democracy is not just a system of governance; it is the foundation of freedom, equality, and justice. It empowers individuals to have a voice, participate in decision-making, and shape the future of their communities and nations. As we reflect on the importance of democracy, let’s continue to advocate for inclusivity, transparency, and the protection of human rights for all. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient democratic society. 💪🌿 #InternationalDemocracyDay #DemocracyMatters #FreedomForAll #InclusiveGovernance #HumanRights #GlobalUnity #EqualityAndJustice #StrongerTogether#DemocracyForAll2024 #CelebrateDemocracy #VoiceOfThePeople2024 #DemocracyMatters

Today we publish our first Strategic Equality Plan 2024-2028. Our plan describes the objectives that we have set for the next 4 years, to help Llais to become a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. We are committed to challenging inequity, discrimination, and prejudice, and to fully playing our part in making Wales an anti-racist nation. Read our Strategic Equality Plan 2024-2028 here: https://ow.ly/nuG850R6nO6