Video: In New York, Asian Leaders Link Economic and Social Development to Democracy
In the past, when talking about development issues, political leaders have generally referred to socio-economic development and democracy as separate issues. This week at Asia Society, however, leaders from Asian countries with very different historical backgrounds and political, social and economic systems spoke of freedom, justice, accountability and respect for human rights as being essentially linked to democracy.
The following short video highlights some of the key points made by leaders from the Philippines (Benigno S. Aquino III), Bhutan (Jigme Y. Thinley), Bangladesh (Sheikh Hasina) and Mongolia (H.E. Tsakhia Elbegdorj) at Asia Society New York on September 19 and 20, 2011.
The above excerpts are taken from lectures and conversations with Asian leaders hosted by Asia Society at its New York headquaters in conjunction with the opening of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2011.