World Forum for Democratization in Asia(WFDA) 
Introduction
In the recent past, much of Asia had placed economic growth as the top priority; however, it has now become clear that, without political development, economic growth cannot deliver true human development. Notably, the Asian crisis in 1997 was a stark reminder that, without democratic practices, economic systems are open to corruption and cronyism, which if left unchecked lead to a breakdown of society. Moreover, since September 11, 2001, serious threats to democratic processes have emerged, both within many individual countries as well as from the international environment, which must be addressed urgently.
In the region today, there is a wide range of organizations and activities whose aims are to promote democratic development, as well as considerable interest from without the region. However, what is lacking is an effective region-wide platform to discuss and coordinate the work of the Asian groups and activists concerned with the promotion of democracy at this juncture.
It is proposed that an international forum, with a working title World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA), be inaugurated in 2005 to advance the democratic agenda in Asia. WFDA will serve to reaffirm and revalidate the core values of Asian democrats and expand the awareness of them among Asian peoples. It will do this not primarily through discussion of the merits of democracy, but through a focus on facilitating concrete measures and strategies to assist the democratization process in Asian societies. In other words, proposals for action plans to achieve identified goals and targets will take precedence.
Objectives
1. To pledge solidarity and support for Asian democracy activists struggling against autocratic forces in the region.
2. To focus the attention of the Asian peoples on the democratization process in the region and to encourage their participation in it.
3. To seek international support for the democratization effort in Asia.
4. To stimulate and facilitate overall coordination of the various programs already underway or being created in the region. Rather than creating yet another network from scratch, WFDA will focus on supporting existing mechanisms, facilitating sharing of information and best practices, as well as encouraging the creation of new mechanisms to fulfill specific needs.
Modes of Operation
1. Bringing together individuals and organizations relevant to developing and evaluating democracy-building action plans, which will include, but not be limited to, civil society leaders, political parties, parliamentarians, labor activists, business leaders, journalists, educators and academics, democracy assistance foundations, international organizations, and government officials. Drafts of these action plans will be formulated at workshops conducted prior to the main Forum meetings (see below).
2. Serving as a platform for the World Movement for Democracy's regional networking efforts.
3. Holding, beginning in September 2005, a Biennial Conference of key players in the region, both direct participants in the regional democracy movement as well as relevant international organizations and donors.
4. Preceding each Biennial Conference, holding a series of Strategy Consultation Workshops to generate strategies to address key issues and formulate the goals that will be presented at the Biennial Conference. These workshops will invite select groups of participants who are familiar with each subject to study strategies and draft action plans aimed at bringing about reform in the affected countries. After the draft action plans are presented to the Biennial Conference, decisions will be made for support and action.
5. Holding other meetings or workshops as needed.
6. Collecting and disseminating information about relevant events and programs, etc.
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