Dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to stand before you today at this Special Session on Reinforcing Democracy, as a member of parliament from Luxembourg, a country that has committed to the principles outlined in the Luxembourg Declaration of the OECD, I am acutely aware of the significance of our collective efforts in promoting democracy, transparency, and integrity. This is why I co-lead the initiative in our parliament to create a transparency register and strengthen our rules regarding lobbying as well as participated in the OECD Trusted Dialogue on Getting Influence Right which lead to a draft of the OECD Principles on Responsible Corporate Lobbying and Political Engagement.
As a representative of Luxembourg I’m also proud of the achievements of the 2022 Global Forum & Ministerial Meeting in Luxembourg including the Luxembourg Declaration, which serves as a beacon guiding us towards a future where democratic values are upheld, trust is fostered, and corruption is combated. It underscores the importance of good governance as the cornerstone of a resilient and inclusive democracy. We need to rise to the challenges of growing and changing citizens’ expectations in terms of representation, responsiveness, open government, and integrity of institutions.
At the heart of our discussion lies the pursuit of integrity and the fight against corruption. Corruption erodes public trust, undermines democratic institutions, and impedes socio-economic progress. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to adopt robust measures to prevent and combat corruption at all levels of governance. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, as well as fostering a culture of integrity and ethical leadership.
As representatives entrusted with the mandate to serve our constituents, we must lead by example. We must ensure that our actions reflect the values of honesty, integrity, and accountability. We must also strive to strengthen the institutions that safeguard democracy, empower citizens, and uphold the rule of law.
Furthermore, we cannot overlook the importance of citizen engagement and participation in the democratic process. Empowering citizens to actively participate in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens the legitimacy of democratic institutions. Therefore, we must invest in initiatives that promote civic education, civic engagement, and public dialogue, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented.
In conclusion, let us seize this opportunity to look beyond the buzzwords and commit to action as outlined in the action plans making up the Luxembourg declaration not tomorrow but already today!
Thank you.
This speech has been delivered at the OECD Global Parliamentary Network Plenary Meeting in Paris from April 3-4 2024. The document represents the prepared statement, please check against the delivered version.