26-29 MARCH • METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Under the theme “All About Democracy,” the 52nd CALD Executive Committee Meeting in Metro Manila brought together CALD members for the first elections of the CALD Chairperson, CALD Women’s Caucus Chairperson, and CALD Youth Chairperson under the amended CALD Charter. The gathering also featured discussions on violence against women in politics and democratic resilience, as well as a strategic planning meeting that set the network’s priorities for the next two years, reaffirming CALD’s commitment to democratic leadership, participation, and resilience amid global democratic decline.
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“The story of democracy has never been written by institutions alone. It has always been written by people – by
“You can choose to see this as an end, or you can see this as a beginning.” This stirring invitation
Institutions are necessary, but are they sufficient to foster democratic resilience? This appears to be the central debate in the
“Violence against women in politics is also a method…a way of shaping who gets to speak, who gets to lead,
9-11 JUNE • TAIPEI, TAIWAN
CYPA 2026 brought together young political leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives, and participate in discussions on democratic values and civic engagement. It was shaped to provide deeper insight into Taiwan’s political environment while exploring how geopolitical, technological, and societal factors intersect in shaping resilience. It was also a space for participants to collaborate on policy ideas and outputs relevant to liberal youth movements.
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Youth delegates from the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and Junge Liberale (JuLis), the youth wing of Germany’s
3 APRIL • QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES
In cooperation with the Center for Liberalism and Democracy (CLD), the Department of International Studies of Miriam College, and the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO), and with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Southeast and East Asia (FNF SEEA) Office, the conference brought together policymakers, academics, and party representatives from Asia, alongside partners from the European Union, to address escalating maritime tensions and geopolitical uncertainties under a second Trump presidency. Discussions at the conference, held in Quezon City, Philippines, examined rising incidents in disputed waters, their implications for regional security, and the urgent need for coordinated, rules-based responses among claimant states.
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The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), a regional network of liberal and democratic political parties in Asia, successfully
4 APRIL • TAGUIG, PHILIPPINES
As part of the CALD Regional Conference, the Council convened a high-level roundtable discussion in Taguig City, Philippines to examine key political and electoral developments ahead of the 2025 Philippine midterm elections. The event brought together political leaders, academics, and journalists to unpack critical issues shaping the country’s political landscape.
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The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) convened a high-level roundtable discussion on 4 April in Taguig, Metro Manila
13-17 JUNE • BORACAY, PHILIPPINES
The CALD Women’s Caucus convened a strategic planning workshop, bringing together women leaders from the CALD member-parties to strengthen the network’s direction and impact. Through reflection, SWOT analysis, and structured planning sessions, participants identified priority areas including organizational structure, program streamlining, communications strategy, funding sustainability, and network expansion. The workshop in Boracay, Philippines, reaffirmed the Caucus’s commitment to building a stronger, more strategic platform for advancing women’s political empowerment in the region.
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“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” These words of French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of the
8-11 AUGUST • TAIPEI, TAIWAN
The Asian Women Education (AWE) Mentorship Program, an initiative of the CALD Women’s Caucus, strengthens women’s political leadership and advances gender parity across Asia through a three-month woman-to-woman mentorship journey. Eight selected emerging leaders from political parties and civil-society organizations participate in leadership development focused on identity-building, strategic planning, and essential political skills. The program was launched in Taiwan in cooperation with the Democratic Progressive Party and with the support of FNF. The two-day event blended networking activities through inspiring keynote messages, strategic planning workshops, cross-generational exchanges, and roundtable discussions
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“Building sisterhood across borders.” This appears to be the maxim of the women’s wing of the Council of Asian Liberals
8-11 AUGUST • TAIPEI, TAIWAN
The 6th installment of the CALD Youth Political Academy (CYPA), with the theme “Ignite, Inspire, Innovate,” empowered young leaders from political parties and civil-society organizations to defend democracy while harnessing technology for positive change. Reflecting the spirit of learning from the past, acting in the present, and preparing for the future, CYPA 2025 equipped participants with the tools to navigate evolving political and digital landscapes. The program was held in partnership with Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Global Innovation Hub.
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“We choose optimism not out of naivety, but out of conviction. We believe in progress, in people, and in the
27-31 OCTOBER • BANGKOK, THAILAND
CALD marked the culmination of the first cohort of the AWE Mentorship Program in Bangkok, Thailand, celebrating a three-month journey of leadership development, sisterhood, and cross-border collaboration among emerging women leaders. The closing ceremony highlighted participants’ leadership projects and reaffirmed the commitment of the CALD Women’s Caucus to advancing women’s political empowerment and inclusive democratic leadership across Asia.
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“We stand together in commitment to our growth, our purpose, and our shared responsibility as women leaders.” This pledge, made
29 OCT-1 NOV • BANGKOK, THAILAND
CALD held its 15th General Assembly under the theme “AI, Inequality and Democracy: The Challenge for Liberals and Democrats.” The event, held in Bangkok, examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and political systems, with the potential either to deepen inequality and erode democratic trust or to enhance participation and institutional efficiency. The Assembly aimed to support liberals and democrats in developing policy responses that address AI-driven inequality while strengthening democratic institutions. Alongside the General Assembly, the 51st Executive Committee Meeting was convened, where charter amendments were discussed and CALD’s future trajectory deliberated.
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“The genie is out of the bottle. AI is here to stay – for better or for worse… It has
16 January | Taipei, Taiwan | Conference
After the successful conclusion of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats’ (CALD) election mission in Taiwan, CALD Secretary General Francis Abaya and CALD Women’s Caucus Chairperson Jaslyn Go met with officials of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in Taipei on 16 January 2024.
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After the successful conclusion of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats’ (CALD) election mission in Taiwan, CALD Secretary General
19 – 21 March | Seoul, South Korea | Conference
The 2024 summit, hosted by the South Korean government, was the first one to dedicate one full day for events organized by the cohorts, civil society and the youth. With the theme “Democracy for Future Generations”, the 3-day event also included a ministerial conference and a virtual plenary with heads of state and government.
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“The times call for cooperation, not for conflict or competition.” This was the key message in the panel discussion organized
14 March | Seoul, South Korea | Conference
“Given the geographic size, geopolitical importance and economic clout of Asia, the way democracy flourishes or flounders in this part of the world will have significant implications for the future of democracy globally.” These were the concluding words of CALD Executive Director Lito Arlegue in the Asia Forum of the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) held in Seoul, South Korea on 14 March 2024. With the theme, “Asia’s Democratic Landscapes: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities”, the event delved into perspectives on democracy in Asia, as well as the challenges, opportunities and future directions for democratic governance in the region.
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“Given the geographic size, geopolitical importance and economic clout of Asia, the way democracy flourishes or flounders in this part
14 – 26 April | Gummersbach, Germany | Conference
CALD Program Officer, Chelse Racar Caballero attended an International Academy for Leadership (IAF) seminar on “Moderation: Facilitation and Program Design” last 14 – 26 April 2024 in Gummersbach, Germany. The seminar brought together program managers and staff from across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
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Photo by Philip Alexander Grzywaczyk CALD Program Officer, Chelse Racar Caballero attended an International Academy for Leadership (IAF) seminar on
29-30 April | Jakarta, Indonesia | Conference
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) was officially made an associate member of Asia Democracy Network (ADN) during the latter’s 4th General Assembly and 14th Governing Council Meeting. Held on 29-30 April in Jakarta, Indonesia, the events, which convened representatives of ADN’s ten current members, acted favorably on CALD’s application for membership. Apart from CALD, ADN also welcomed the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus and Asian Indigenous People’s Pact to its growing family.
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The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) was officially made an associate member of Asia Democracy Network (ADN) during
6-10 June | Trenggalek, Indonesia | Workshop
On June 6-10 2024, CALD organized a local government workshop in Trenggalek, Indonesia, focusing on the theme “Transforming Smart Mobility Ideas into Local Government Solutions.” The event, hosted by Trenggalek Mayor Mochamad Nur “Avin” Arifin with the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom, was the third installment in CALD’s Smart Mobility workshops for local governments.
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“Trenggalek is on the right track. Smart mobility provides opportunities for bringing in the strength of the community towards inclusive
1-6 August | Singapore | Conference
“Securing the next generation of political Leaders” This has been the tagline of the recently concluded CALD Transformative Academy for Developing Empowered Leadership (CTADEL) held in Singapore on 1-6 August 2024. The training assembled around 30 women and youth leaders across the Asian region. In five days, they had the privilege of learning from seasoned facilitators and resource persons from Asia, Africa and Europe.
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“Securing the next generation of political Leaders” This has been the tagline of the recently concluded CALD Transformative Academy for
22-25 August | Taiwan | Workshop
The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) was represented by Program Officer Chelse Racar Caballero and Communication Officer Julienne Janolo-Faustino at the recent Female Leadership Program organized by the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY) and Centerpartiets Internationella Stiftelse (CIS) last August 22 – 25, 2024. This global event gathered aspiring women leaders and activists from 12 different countries, providing them with training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to enhance their leadership skills and political participation.
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The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) was represented by Program Officer Chelse Racar Caballero and Communication Officer Julienne
14-17 JUNE | CAVITE , PHILIPPINES | Conference
To jumpstart the CALD Smart Mobility Project, CALD organized its first hybrid Smart Mobility Workshop in Tagaytay City, Philippines where participants discussed the definition, concepts, current developments, and issues of smart mobility and infrastructure in Asia.
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Youth leaders from Asian countries embarked on a four-day event in Cavite, Philippines that seeks to enhance their leadership skills
13-16 JULY | JAKARTA, INDONESIA | Conference
Hosted by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), this Smart Mobility workshop had the theme “Building Networks and Fostering Smart Mobility Solutions in Local Governments in Asia.” The workshop, held in July, aimed to discuss avenues in building sustainable and people-centric transport systems and the emerging technologies that can help the public sector deliver social, environmental, and economic outcomes to communities.
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“We therefore declare urban mobility as an essential public good.” This was the call of local government leaders and party
23 AUGUST | BANGKOK, THAILAND | Conference
With the theme, “CALD @ 30: Toward the Next Phase,” this leaders’ meeting on 23 August looked at CALD’s past achievements, assessed its current standing, and set its future directions so that the organization can remain true to its commitment to advancing a society based on personal liberty and responsibility, social justice, the rule of law, and free market economy.
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Has the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) outlived its usefulness? This was the key question raised during the
6-11 SEPTEMBER | TAIPEI, TAIWAN | Conference
Taiwan’s democratic credentials made it natural for CALD to choose its capital Taipei as the venue for the Council’s 30th Anniversary Events that lasted for several days in early September. Taiwan also happened to be where preparatory meetings that led to CALD’s founding took place three decades ago. Hosted by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan, these 30th Anniversary Events had the theme “The Future of Democracy in Asia,” as CALD deemed it appropriate to have a platform where liberals and democrats could come together to understand the causes of democratic recession, learn best practices on how to address them, and build democratic networks to counter authoritarian populists.
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Democratic Progressive Party Celebrates its 30th Anniversary Today, 28 September 2016, we celebrate the 30th founding anniversary of the Democratic Progressive
12-15 OCTOBER | PANGLAO, BOHOL PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES | Conference
Panglao was the first stop for the CALD Smart Mobility Project’s aim to extend technical assistance in developing smart-mobility plans to local governments. With the theme “Transforming Smart Mobility Ideas into Local Government Solutions,” CALD, in cooperation with AltMobility PH, convened in mid-October the local officials and stakeholders to discuss ways to improve the coastal Philippine resort town’s tourism and transportation system through smart mobility planning.
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“Panglao is endowed with stunning beaches, an incredible marine bio-diversity, exquisite corals and sea life, and a hard-to-discover school of
27-30 OCTOBER | JAKARTA, INDONESIA | Conference
Before October ended, CALD organized its 8th CALD Party Management Workshop in Jakarta, Indonesia, a choice that holds significance as the very first such workshop conducted by CALD was in Indonesia in 2007. With the theme “From Opposition to Ruling Party: Best Practices in Party Management,” CALD members got to learn from PDI-P’s story, including how the party was able to manage the transition from being an opposition party to becoming the most successful governing party in post-Soeharto Indonesia.
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A party management workshop that was one for the books – made possible by a political party whose management practices
16-19 JULY | DILI, TIMOR-LESTE | Executive Mission
Given Timor-Leste’s status as the most democratic country in Southeast Asia, CALD deemed it important to include representation from the country in its roster of member parties. But the CALD executive mission to Timor-Leste in July was
not only explore the possibility of inviting major political parties to become CALD members, it also aimed to gain insights from the young nation’s impressive democratic development and facilitate knowledge exchange with key political leaders.
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“East Timor is a vibrant country, a hopeful nation that is considered the most democratic in Southeast Asia,” said CALD
15 AND 23-24 NOVEMBER | SAN MATEO, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES | Conference
The CALD Smart Mobility Workshop’s final stop for 2023 was San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines, a town right next to Metro Manila’s Quezon City. Together with AltMobility PH, CALD in November provided technical advice and aided the municipality of San Mateo in identifying the appropriate and concrete steps in building mobility plans.
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On 23-24 November 2023, the Municipality of San Mateo, led by Mayor Bartolome “Omie” N. Rivera, Jr., organized a workshop with the theme “Transforming Smart Mobility Ideas into
