On 27th January the Community of Democracies Executive Committee members participated in a virtual meeting where the agenda and main topics for this year were presented. The Strategic Plan and the agenda are available on request.

One of the main points discussed at this meeting was the Community of Democracies Strategic Plan for 2018-2023, the objectives, main activities and the budget for this year. Furthermore, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of the fifth round of the Governing Council Renewal Process. In 2023 the last cycle of this process will take place. The Republic of Argentina, Republic of Estonia, along with the Republic of Guatemala, the Kingdom of Norway and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland  are the member states that will participate in this process. 

It is worth mentioning that this process means a great challenge for the Community not only because of the countries whose state of democracy will be reviewed and each of the actions that will be developed throughout the year to take a decision, but also because of the need to evaluate what has been and how this process has evolved over the years.  

Another of the points mentioned at this meeting was the importance of encouraging the participation of  governments in CoD activities. Finally, workshops and events were presented that will be carried out throughout the year in order to strengthen and promote the participation of the voices of both the civil society pillar and the member states.