International Organizations Support Continuation of BDF

Nusa Dua, Bali (Antara) -- International organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union declared their support to the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF). The organizations agreed that the forum should be continued during the term of the incoming government under the leadership of President-elect Joko Widodo. "I support this democracy forum, look forward to seeing increasing participation and giving technical advice on it. One can learn a lot at this forum," Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, Douglas Broderick, said here after the BDF closing session on Saturday. The UN representative stated that developing democracies could learn from the examples set by various participating countries, adding that they could learn how to promote democracy from countries such as Brazil, Maldives and Sri Lanka. However, the primary issue addressed by the UN at this event was the importance of the participation of youth in a developing democracy. "We have to ensure that we pay attention to the youth. Their talent is being compromised, especially in Asia where as many as 700 million vibrant youth live," Broderick remarked. (*)