All About Democracy Events
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,
CALD Youth and Julis Joint Political Academy
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
CALD Regional Conference on South China Sea Disputes under Trump 2.0
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
Roundtable Discussion on 2025 Philippine Elections
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
CALD Women’s Caucus Strategic Planning Meeting
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
Asian Women Education Mentorship Program Launch
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
CALD Youth Political Academy 2025
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
Asian Women Education Mentorship Program Culmination
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
15th CALD General Assembly & 51st CALD Executive Committee Meeting
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
CALD officials meet Westminster Foundation for Democracy
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
Summit for Democracy 2024 – “Democracy for Future Generations”
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
Asia Forum of the Global Democracy Coalition 2024
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
IAF Seminar on Moderation and Program Design in Germany 2024
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
CALD is Asia Democracy Network’s Newest Associate Member
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
Trenggalek Local Workshop – “Transforming Smart Mobility Ideas into Local Government Solutions”
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
CALD Transformative Academy for Developing Empowered Leadership 2024 (CTADEL)
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
2024 IFLRY Female Leadership Academy: Empowering Future Women Leaders
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
5th CALD Youth Political Academy
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
CALD Smart Mobility Workshop Jakarta
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
CALD Leaders’ Meeting
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
CALD 30th Anniversary Events
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
CALD Smart Mobility Workshop Bohol
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
8th CALD Party Management Workshop
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
CALD Executive Mission to East Timor
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
CALD Smart Mobility Workshop San Mateo
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
CALD Smart City Project Webinar: “Toward Reimagining Smart City
Plans and Strengthening Partnerships”
27 January | Webinar
To close the three-year CALD Smart City Project, CALD organized a webinar to present the project output of three local governments from Indonesia and Taiwan. The local governments also shared their smart-city plans as the world continues to face the global challenge of reimagining cities that are more resilient and efficient.
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“Government is best when it’s closest to the people…being with people immerses one with the real and pressing problems on
CALD Smart Mobility Workshop: “Smart Mobility in Asia: Identifying Transformative Opportunities and Challenges”
20—22 April | Tagaytay City, 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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“The key is moving people, not vehicles. Efficient and effective public transport must be at the backbone of the transport
9th ALDE-CALD Meeting, 45th CALD Executive Committee Meeting, & CALD Germany Executive Mission
27 June—8 July | Sofia, Bulgaria & Berlin, Germany | Conference
CALD, in cooperation with ALDE Party and Renew Europe, held its latest ALDECALD Summit on the sidelines of the 75th Liberal International Anniversary Congress in Sofia, Bulgaria. The 45th CALD Executive Committee Meeting was also one of Congress’s fringe events. Afterward, CALD held an executive mission to Germany to network with the FNF/FDP representatives, German officials, and think tanks and continue the exchange on issues facing both Europe and Asia.
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“Are we sometimes confusing popular with populist?” This was the question posed by Sir Graham Watson, former leader of the
CALD Smart Mobility Writeshop: “Smart Mobility in Asia: Emerging Trends, Opportunities and Challenges”
21—24 September | Bangkok, Thailand | Workshop
Held in September in Bangkok, Thailand, the CALD Smart Mobility Writeshop drafted and finalized the preparations for the Smart Mobility baseline study. It also identified the local government units from CALD member-parties that are interested to join the Smart Mobility Project.
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“It is at the level of the city – of the local governments in general – that the government is
14th CALD General Assembly & 46th CALD Executive Committee Meeting
10—14 November/Manila and Iloilo City, Philippines | Conference
Organized and sponsored by CALD, in cooperation with the Liberal Party of the Philippines and the Center for Liberalism and Democracy, with the support of FNF, this event gathered political leaders, journalists, teachers, and artists from all around Asia to discuss the threats of disinformation and offer solutions on how to defend the truth.
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ILOILO CITY – Asian Liberals and Democrats from eight countries in the region committed to advocate for truth-telling and protection
Defending Freedom of Expression: Fake News Laws in East and Southeast Asia Report Launch
February 21 | 14:00 – 15:30 (Bangkok) / 15:00 – 16:30 (Manila/Taipei) | Webinar
The online report launch presented the key findings and recommendations of the CALD Asia Centre joint baseline study on how governments across Asia have been using laws and policies to control freedom of expression. The report’s aim was to provide a policy toolbox of ideas to empower legislators, political party leaders, academics, civil-society activists, and journalists to protect such freedom.
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Asian Women Education (AWE) for Transformative Leadership
April 9-10 and April 16-17 | 09:00-12:00 (Manila/Taipei)| Webinar
The four-day virtual training course, organized by the CALD Women’s Caucus, in cooperation with the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) and the Southeast Asian Women’s Watch (SEAWWatch), brought together political and movement leaders to revive and strengthen women’s leadership at different levels within a feminist framework of analysis.
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“Here’s to women of the world! May we lead with courage, compassion and conviction.” This were the jubilant words of
CALD Youth Political Academy 2021
Tier 1: June 18, 19, 20 | 09:00-12:00 (Bangkok)
Tier 2: June 24, 25 | 10:00 – 13:30 (Taipei)
Tier 3: July 02, 03, 04 | 14:00-17:00 (Manila)
Tier 4 and Graduation: July 08, 09, 10 | 14:00-17:00 (Manila) | Webinar
The webinar gathered representatives of CALD member parties to discuss the troubling political and legal situation confronting political party leaders and members, human rights lawyers, and political activists, among others, in a number of Asian countries and jurisdictions.
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“Even though there are setbacks after setbacks and we are still hoping for improvements to the COVID-19 situation, there is
CALD Smart City Meeting with Local Governments
August 24 | 10:00-11:30 (Taipei) / 09:00-10:30 (Jakarta) | Webinar
In partnership with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of Taiwan, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the Nation Awakening Party (PKB), and with FNF support, CALD organized this project to provide technical support and recommendations to select cities in Taiwan and Indonesia to increase their pandemic-response mechanisms and achieve people-centered efforts.
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“This pandemic not only showed a lot of problems we still face everywhere around the world especially with digital gaps,
CALD-Asia Centre Disinformation Workshop
September 25 and October 2 | 9:00-12:00 (Bangkok) | Webinar
CALD, in collaboration with Asia Centre and FNF, convened a two-day workshop as a followup to Asia Centre and CALD’s baseline study, “Defending Freedom of Expression: Fake News Laws in East and Southeast Asia,” launched in February 2021.
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By: Asia Centre Asia Centre, in collaboration with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation
Japan’s 2021 Elections: Issues, Challenges and Prospects
October 26 | 15:00 – 16:30 (Tokyo) 14:00 – 15:30 (Manila) / 13:00 – 14:30 (Bangkok) | Webinar
This webinar discussed the key issues, challenges, and prospects of Japan’s October 31 Lower House elections, as well as their international and regional implications. The webinar was organized with the support of FNF Regional Office for Southeast and East Asia.
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“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” This was how political analyst Richard Heydarian described Japan politics,
11th CALD Communications Workshop for CALD Women’s Caucus
October 30-31 | 15:00 – 17:00 (Manila) | Webinar
The 11th in CALD’s annual communication workshops for its member-parties, “reAWEkening: Reaching Across the Network” was meant to check how past participants had been doing during the pandemic and to reinforce networking strategies among CALD member-parties. This workshop was focused particularly on supporting and extending the CALD Women’s Caucus network, and strengthening the communication skills of the Caucus’s members.
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“Women cannot sit on the sidelines. Women should speak up as leaders, use their education and their skills to help
High-Level Panel of CALD Annual Conference 2021
December 1 | 16:00-18:00 (Manila) / 15:00-17:00 (Bangkok) / 9:00-11:00 (Stockholm) | Webinar
The highlight of the CALD Annual Conference 2021, the December 1 webinar had a High-Level Panel tackling as its main question: “How can political parties survive, even thrive, in the ‘new normal’ brought about by the pandemic?”
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How can political parties survive, even thrive, in the “new normal” brought about by the pandemic? This was the key
CALD Executive Committee Special Session
2 April 2020 | Webinar
The Special Session was called to share experiences and best practices on how Asian countries are addressing the threat of COVID-19. Presided by CALD Chair Bi-khim Hsiao, the Special Session was attended by representatives from the Democrat Party of Thailand, Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan, Liberal Party of the Philippines, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, Singapore Democratic Party, Cambodia National Rescue Party, Democratic Party of Hong Kong and the CALD Secretariat.
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As Asia, like the rest of the world, grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the countries that appears to
Harnessing technology to tackle COVID-19: What can Europe learn from Taiwan?”
15 May 2020 | Webinar
The webinar showcased Taiwan’s success story. Praised locally and abroad for her role in coronavirus control efforts, Minister Tang shared that Taiwan’s successful handling of COVID-19 can be summarized into 3Fs: Fast, Fair and Fun.
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It is a country which has not imposed a lockdown or adopted an emergency law since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
When Justice Becomes Out of League: Asia in the Time of Pandemic
21 May 2020 | Webinar
The webinar gathered representatives of CALD member parties to discuss the troubling political and legal situation confronting political party leaders and members, human rights lawyers, and political activists, among others, in a number of Asian countries and jurisdictions.
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Heroes come in times of need. As frontliners bravely sacrifice themselves to save the COVID-19 victims, another league of heroes
Can Digital Social Innovation Work in Sub-Saharan Africa?
27 May 2020 | Webinar
The question served as the focal point of the discussion in the webinar organized by the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and Liberal International (LI), in close cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) for Freedom Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Social innovation, defined as “people’s participation from all walks of life in order to benefit society”, can definitely help Sub-Saharan
#FemaleForward
29 May 2020 | Webinar
Women everywhere tend to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. These vulnerabilities being exposed is an opportunity to take stock, and determine what can be done to improve women’s conditions.
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“Many of the countries that have forged a successful response to COVID-19 are led by women. So the question is
The Pandemic Dilemma: Recession or Contagion?
3 June 2020 | Webinar
Organized by the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), in close cooperation with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Korea Office, the webinar invited speakers from South Korea, Sweden and Germany, to present their COVID-19 experiences.
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When is the right time to ease off pandemic restrictions and reopen the economy? Liberal and democratic political leaders from
Women, Power and the Pandemic: A Liberal Roundtable
4 June 2020 | Webinar
Organized by Liberal International (LI) in close cooperation with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party, the Africa Liberal Network (ALN), the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the International Federation of the Liberal Youth (IFLRY), the webinar concluded that female political leaders tend to be more compassionate, which leads to better performance in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Why are female political leaders performing better in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic compared to their male counterparts? The answer can
The Future of Democracy in Asia
30 June 2020 | Webinar
Is the future of democracy in Asia bright? or bleak?
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In a geo-political region which “seems to have curved steeply towards authoritarianism”, does democracy have a future? “(O)f the eleven
Is Hong Kong’s present going to be Asia’s future?
28 July 2020 | Webinar
Will the dark clouds over Hong Kong soon engulf the rest of Asia?
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“As much as China may look like they’re having the upper hand, the pushback is gaining strength so much, no
The 2020 US Presidential Election: Will it Matter for Democracy and Human Rights in Asia?
11 September 2020 | Webinar
Will the result of the 2020 US Presidential Election have an impact on the country’s foreign policy towards Asia, particularly in the field of democracy and human rights? rest of Asia?
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US Election: ‘Democracy is in the ballot’ Strong support for human rights in Asia if Biden wins By Marites Dañguilan
Hate Speech in Asia: Challenges and Solutions
9 October 2020 | Webinar
What can political parties and political leaders do to address the impact of hate speech on democracy, human rights and the rule of law?
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“We cannot become the dragon we seek to slay. And therefore, we have to be mindful that there are ways
Reimagining Smart Cities: Current Challenges and New Opportunities
30 October 2020 | Webinar
What is the way forward for smart cities?
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“No pain, no gain,” said Dr. Yi-Chun Lo, a medical doctor who serves as the Deputy Director-General at the Taiwan Centers
13th CALD General Assembly
23-27 November 2020 | Webinars
With the theme, “Hope Among Us: A Virtual Gathering for the Future of Democracy”, the series assembles Liberals and Democrats from Asia and from around the world on 23-27 November to analyze the main challenges for democracies after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to come up with policy recommendations on the way forward.
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Tsai Ing-Wen, Leni Robredo Lead Regional Gathering for Future of Democracy in Asia Manila, Philippines: Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen and
Kaya Pala
11 December 2020 | Webinar
How did Taiwan Contain the Twin Pandemic of COVID-19 and Disinformation?
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4oth CALD Executive Committee Meeting
18 – 23 October 2019 | Taipei, Taiwan
It was a series of events – Democracy 4.0: Innovating Democracy Through Technology, Defending Democracy Against Disinformation and the 40th CALD Executive Committee Meeting. The overall objective is to identify and promote good practices on how technology creates opportunities for citizen empowerment and promotes participation in governance in the era of disinformation or fake news.
Program and Concept Note:
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Taiwan is a democratic and developed East Asian country of around 24 million people. However, in terms of diplomatic relations,
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10th CALD Communications Workshop for CALD Women’s Caucus
27 September – 1 October 2019 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The workshop adopts the theme “Communication Training for Female Liberal Leaders”. The overall objective is to enhance the communication skills of current and upcoming female liberal leaders from CALD member-parties and partners.
Program and Concept Note:
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On 27-30 September 2019, twelve liberal women leaders from Asia, Africa and Europe told their stories – and they were
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CALD Smart City Blueprint
23-27 August 2019 | Pingtung County, Taiwan
The event is the follow-up seminar- workshop of the CALD Climate Change Preparatory event which happened in Seoul, South Korea last June 2019. This time the seminar-workshop had the theme “Towards a Smart City Blueprint in Asia: A Guide for Political Parties.”
Program and Concept Note:
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CALD Youth Political Academy 2019
25-29 July 2019 | Bangkok, Thailand
CALD Youth introduced the hackathon which is a sprint-like event that focuses on creating functioning products, using a specific tool, language and system. Taking its processes, CYPA III used hackathon in generating new, innovative ideas for youth participation in politics and civic engagement.
Program and Concept Note:
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Danish American social reformer Jacob Riis once said: “When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter
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39th CALD Executive Committee Meeting &
CALD Climate Change Preparatory Seminar-Workshop
10-14 June 2019 | Seoul, South Korea
The event introduced the concept of “smart city”, its characteristics, and how it is perceived from a liberal perspective. It also presented cases of successful smart cities, as well as the preliminary steps needed for local governments to make the transition to smart cities.
Program and Concept Note:
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What does it take to thrive in the future? For the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), smart city
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