New Zealand's Participation in the 2011 Bali Democracy Forum

Minister Jonathan Coleman was a lead discussant for one of the two interactive panel sessions

Indonesia, which has gone through remarkable democratic transition over the past twelve years, has for four years now hosted the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) to allow countries to share their experiences and concerns about democracy and the democratic process.

Minister of Defence Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman represented New Zealand at the Fourth Bali Democracy Forum, 8-9 December 2011, and was a lead discussant for one of the Forum's two interactive panel sessions.  Dr Coleman suggested in the future the BDF could include workshops which might involve outside experts (eg a Facebook, Yahoo or Google senior executive) to spark debate about the role of social media.

Like good relationships, good democracy takes time to build and there are many routes to successful and productive outcomes. Processes like the BDF provide a friendly environment for sharing and learning.

Read the Ambassador’s blog for the complete story.