By Svend Olling
Danish Ambassador to Korea 

Having participated in the third Summit for Democracy in Seoul, I find myself reflecting on the efforts of likeminded countries such as Korea and how we can work together to promote democracy globally. Are we doing enough? Are we efficient? How can we work together to achieve more? 

The recently concluded summit was an important step and timely platform to reaffirm the common dedication to democratic values of both countries. Side events and corridors explored many innovative ideas for progress. Denmark is grateful to the Republic of Korea for hosting the summit and promoting democracy.

At the heart of Denmark's contribution lies the belief in the power of inclusivity and youth empowerment as said by our Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who chaired the first session on "Inclusive Society and Youth Empowerment" on the third day of the summit – two themes important to both of our societies.

It is important to recognize the role of social movements in shaping democracies. Both of our countries were shaped by a common history of social movements playing an important part. From campaigns for women's rights to labor and climate change – and of course Korea's drive for independence -- these grassroots campaigns are good examples of catalysts for change. Both Denmark and Korea owe much of our democratic strength and resilience to these calls for change advocating rights and fairness from the bottom-up, often championed by youth.

These themes were also discussed at two events on the sidelines of the summit in Seoul. The first was "People Power: Building Coalitions for Peaceful Democratic Change" hosted by Action Aid Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The focus was on the relation between grassroots mobilization and the promotion of peaceful democratic transitions.

The second event was jointly hosted by Denmark, the Netherlands and the Wikimedia Foundation: "Upholding Information Integrity Online to Reinforce Democracy and Human Rights." This event mirrored our efforts to ensure a healthier information ecosystem built on trust, access, diversity and agency as basic democratic processes, not the least of which are elections. Denmark co-chaired the session as part of our engagement with the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC). Here, I am happy to say we are again in alignment with Korea, which joined the FOC in 2023 under President Yoon Suk Yeol's leadership.

On how Denmark and Korea can work together to achieve more, we must look at technology — an area with both many opportunities and challenges — as one example. Denmark's newly unveiled Tech Diplomacy Strategy underscores the critical importance of technological innovation in shaping the future of societies worldwide.

From artificial intelligence to quantum technology, advanced technologies hold immense potential to accelerate societal progress and support human rights. They also, however, pose significant challenges including the spread of false information, which can undermine the very foundation of democracy. With tech companies worldwide constantly competing and pushing the limits of what is possible, humanity often lags behind in how these new technologies are utilized, understood and regulated vis-a-vis their impact on personal health, safety and general well-being in society.

Denmark's strategy wants to position Europe as a key player in this arena. Highlighting how technological innovation is critical to shaping the future, this strategy focuses on securing regulatory prowess, spearheading innovation and fostering dialogue with European tech companies. As Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen aptly put it, "Europe must not only set the rules but also lead in technological development."

During the last Summit for Democracy, the FOC released a Joint Statement on Information Integrity Online and Elections, with Denmark co-chairing a task force on information integrity. The statement emphasizes the importance of upholding the right to freedom of expression in the digital realm, something based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While reaffirming that open, free and inclusive public debate, alongside fair elections, are essential to democracy, it also acknowledges the complex challenge of ensuring information integrity online, particularly in the context of elections.

The people should also have a hand in shaping our digital future, and we need to ensure that technology benefits everyone. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, I hope that Denmark and Korea will remain steadfast in our commitment to human rights and an inclusive democratic society -- both offline and online -- in cooperation with likeminded countries. With the third Summit for Democracy under Korea's belt, I have great hope for our bilateral and multilateral cooperation in creating an inclusive, safe and democratic future for all.


The ambassador assumed his post in Seoul in May 2023.