Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) would like to extend its sincere thanks to the member-parliamentarians of our international network, partners in parliamentary bodies, civil society, experts, and practitioners who have generously provided invaluable insights and support throughout the development of this Parliamentary Toolbox for Democracy Defense, and which served as the basis for its conceptualization and substance. In particular, we thank our Executive Committee for its insightful exchanges, where they shared their knowledge and expressed unwavering commitment to the principles and values of democracy.
We also express our gratitude to Global Affairs Canada, whose financial support has made the creation of this toolbox possible, and to the core support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and additional project support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
The Parliamentary Toolbox for Democracy Defense is the Third Pillar of PGA’s Campaign on Democratic Renewal and Human Rights. At a time when democratic values are under threat, this toolbox is intended to serve as a resource for parliamentarians, enabling them to detect early warning signs of democratic decline and take proactive steps to protect the democratic foundations of their nations. Additionally, the Toolbox aims to provide parliamentarians with a normative framework for democracy-related issues and a compendium of existing resources to help parliamentarians propose pro-rights alternatives to democratic backsliding.
We hope the Toolbox will help parliamentarians better navigate contemporary challenges to democracy and support their legislative, policy, and oversight work. PGA’s commitment to defend democracy will continue beyond this resource. Through this Campaign, PGA will encourage parliamentarians to engage with their communities, civil society organizations, key stakeholders, and those who believe in democracy to contribute to PGA’s vision of a rules-based international order for a more equitable, safe, sustainable, and democratic world.
