Robredo to join Obama’s democracy forum

MANILA, Philippines — Former vice president Leni Robredo will be one of the speakers in a democracy forum organized by the Obama Foundation of former United States president Barack Obama.

“Amid the difficulties, democracy finds anchorage in the hearts of our people – and it is something we must protect for our future,” said Robredo, who shared on Twitter the foundation’s announcement of speakers in the Nov. 17 forum in New York City.

Robredo is currently in the US for the Harvard University’s Hauser leadership program.

Aside from Obama, other confirmed speakers include Columbia Journalism School dean Jelani Cobb, New York Times Magazine investigative reporter Nikole Hannah-Jones, WE ACT for Environmental Justice co-founder and executive director Peggy Shepard and Stanford Internet Observatory technical research manager Renée DiResta.

“At a time when democracy is under threat around the world, the promise and potential of the next generation of leaders is more important than ever. The forum will bring attention to the biggest challenges democratic institutions face today and showcase democracy in action around the world,” the Obama Foundation said.

Panel discussions include tackling disinformation and protecting democracy; pluralism, identity and democracy; and inclusive capitalism.

There will also be talks on hate in the digital age, youth and the future of democracy and climate change.

Obama is expected to give remarks on the state of democracy around the world and the importance of a new generation of leaders to safeguard institutions and build a more sustainable future.

“For democracy to thrive, we need to tell better stories about ourselves and how we can live together despite our differences,” the former US president said.

The Obama Foundation has yet to confirm which panel Robredo will participate in.