World leaders have launched an initiative, “Democracy Now,” on the sidelines of the UNGA to counter far-right extremism and defend multilateralism.
Brazil’s President Lula da Silva urged reflection on why liberal democracies failed to resist authoritarianism.
Economist Joseph Stiglitz, speaking for 43 Nobel laureates, warned of threats to free press, speech, and academic freedom.
Proposed solutions include global digital governance to tackle manipulation on issues like migration, climate change, and women’s rights.
UN Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder stressed that free speech and human rights must guide digital platforms and AI.
The initiative is gaining traction, with backing from the EU, Latin America, the Caribbean, and African nations.
Rather than rival the UN, leaders say the initiative aims to strengthen it as democracy faces global regression.
Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports from the United Nations.
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