The 11th Global Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy is to convene in Taipei tomorrow, with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) scheduled to attend the opening of the three-day event.
About 300 delegates from 70 countries are registered to take part in the conference, event organizer National Endowment for Democracy said.
Participating democracy advocates, parliamentarians, academics and other international experts are to deliberate on efforts to counter authoritarian challenges and foster democratic momentum, the Washington-based organization said.
Endowment president Damon Wilson said during a visit to Taipei in March that a historic moment is being presented as the world faces growing troubles with crackdowns against democracy movements in Myanmar and Hong Kong in particular
Taiwan’s vibrant democracy is a success story amid global setbacks, he added.
The assembly is to highlight a new generation of leaders in democracy movements, hoping that hosting the conference in Taipei could inspire democracy efforts worldwide.
“Taiwan will be at the center of a global agenda for freedom, as part of integrating Taiwanese perspectives into the world, ensuring that Taiwan is a hub for democrats,” Wilson said in March as he announced Taipei as this year’s host city.
The theme this year is “Claiming the Democratic Future: Unifying Voices for a New Frontier,” as Taiwan and Ukraine are on the front lines of the global fight for democracy, the organization said.
Scheduled discussions include ways to combat disinformation, strengthen mobilization of democracy efforts and bolster solidarity among global democratic alliances, it said.
EVA Air is prohibiting the use of portable chargers on board all flights starting from Saturday, while China Airlines is advising passengers not to use them, following the lead of South Korean airlines. Current regulations prohibit portable chargers and lithium batteries from check-in luggage and require them to be properly packed in carry-on baggage, EVA Air said. To improve onboard safety, portable chargers and spare lithium batteries would be prohibited from use on all fights starting on Saturday, it said. Passengers are advised to fully charge electronic devices before boarding and use the AC and USB charging outlets at their seat, it said. South
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