In 2024, democracy takes center stage as more than half the world’s population heads to the polls to elect their governments. From India to the United States, from Russia to France, and across Britain, Africa, and Latin America, these elections will shape global and regional political landscapes. This year represents a pivotal moment in history, as billions of people actively engage in shaping the future of their nations.
However, this wave of democratic participation unfolds amidst rising populism and a flood of partisan content and fake news, threatening the core of democratic principles. The influence of AI tools has amplified these issues, raising the stakes even higher. Nepal, too, finds itself at the crossroads of these challenges, with corruption, governance issues, and diminishing trust in governing systems casting shadows over its future. Amid the chaos, there is an urgent need to refocus on what truly matters: our shared future. Rebuilding trust and fostering informed decisions depend on strengthening reliable information sources and combating the spread of misinformation.
These pressing issues will be confronted head-on at the Conclave. We must recognize the threats to our democratic systems and take bold, proactive steps to restore the integrity of our institutions.