On 14 February 2023, the Civil7 Open Societies Working Group issued a statement “Continuation of Open Society & Resilient Democracies Statements in the Upcoming G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.”
Please refer to the statement (PDF) from here.
14 February 2023
Sherpas of G7 countries Continuation of Open Society & Resilient Democracies Statements in the Upcoming G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
Dear respective G7 Sherpa,
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to you on behalf of the C7 Open and Resilient Societies Working Group to express our deep concern that currently any follow-up statement is not planned and to highlight the importance of the open society and the continuation of the Open Society & Resilient Democracies statements in the upcoming G7 Leaders’ meeting in Hiroshima.
As you are aware, the open society is built on the principles of freedom, democratic governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. In recent years, however, we have seen a rise in autocratic practices, the erosion of civil liberties, shrinking civic spaces, and a decline in democratic norms at home and in many parts of the world.
We believe that it is essential for the G7 governments to recommit themselves to the protection and promotion of the open society and civic space, and to take concrete steps to strengthen the resilience of democratic institutions and civil society. We firmly trust that the G7 meeting in Hiroshima presents a critical opportunity to demonstrate global leadership with a clear and united message as well as concrete action in support of an open society
In this regard, we urge the G7 governments to continue the Open Society & Resilient Democracies statements, and to make a strong commitment towards open society and resilient democracies, both at home and abroad.
We would be honored to discuss this matter further with you and to work with you to ensure that the open society remains a key priority in the G7 process.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely, The C7 Open and Resilient Societies Working Group.
Narayan Adhikari, International Coordinator Civil 7 Open and Resilient Societies Working Group
Hirotaka Koike, Domestic Coordinator Civil 7 Open and Resilient Societies Working Group
