Recognizing the role of democracies in responding to the COVID–19 pandemic, democracy’s resiliency, the dangers of authoritarianism, and reaffirming the commitment of the United States to democratic principles.

recognizes the commitment of democracies to democratic values and institutions in their dynamic response to the global COVID–19 pandemic and condemns the actions of those that seek to use the pandemic as an instrument to consolidate undemocratic power and violate human rights;

remembers its commitment to fundamental democratic principles and to opposing the influence of authoritarian regimes that threaten the international order;

rejects the hollow appeal of authoritarianism and urges the leaders of these countries to reconsider their pursuit of censorship, exploitation, and suppression of human rights;

encourages authoritarian governments to end their influence operations and disinformation campaigns and discontinue behavior that divides nations and undermines the legitimacy of international institutions; and

calls on democracies and international institutions to remember their promise of transparency, accountability, integrity, and the free flow of information.