WE STAND AT A CROSSROADS.
For nearly two decades, democracy has been in decline worldwide. Across the globe, democratic institutions are under attack — often from within. The separation of powers, a fundamental foundation for a healthy democracy, is being dismantled. Civic space is closing. Disinformation is drowning out truth. Electoral integrity is being compromised. The very foundations that make cooperation possible are eroding.
But here is what we know: when systems break, they create space for transformation.
As the democratic branch closest to the people, parliamentarians are uniquely positioned to shape what comes next. To defend what must be protected. To build what must emerge. To affirm the principles and values upon which our communities stand. And to do it together.
This is why Parliamentarians for Global Action is launching #MPsShapeTheFuture — a campaign to unite parliamentarians as champions of democracy and international cooperation.
We are calling on parliamentarians from all corners of the globe who believe in the promise of democracy, the call for justice, and the right to freedom that is inherent to humanity, to commit to the following activities and practices:
① DEFEND DEMOCRACY AT HOME
Strong democracies are the foundation for communities to feel safe, enjoy equal rights and thrive. We commit to concrete action that:
- Protects the separation of powers and judicial independence
- Safeguards civil and political rights for all communities
- Ensures civic space remains open for dissent and dialogue
- Combats disinformation with media literacy and transparency
- Guarantees electoral integrity against interference
② CHAMPION INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
International cooperation is not simply idealism. It brings opportunities to have a voice in global decision-making that reflects our national needs and transforms our local communities. The problems we face — the climate crisis, cybercrime, pandemics, mass displacement — cross borders. The solutions we develop must also be global.
International cooperation is not simply idealism — it's how we participate in decision-making processes that benefit our communities and help solve problems that cross borders.
We commit to advancing international frameworks that protect the rights and dignity of all individuals and the planet, including:
- Supporting the integrity of international law, including defending the International Criminal Court and accountability for atrocities
- Advocating for regulation of international arms trade to keep our communities safe
- Protecting our oceans, seas, and marine resources through conservation and sustainable use
- Addressing global cybercrime and responsible AI use through good governance
- Strengthening climate action that ensures environmental democracy and climate justice
- Guaranteeing every individual has equal value, lives with dignity, and can achieve their highest potential, free from all forms of violence and discrimination
- Calling for a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy to monitor and protect democratic governance worldwide
③ PRIORITIZE DIALOGUE AND SOLIDARITY
Parliamentarians must model the bridge-building we ask our governments to practice. We commit to:
- Upholding PGA's Global Parliamentary Code of Democratic Conduct
- Participating in peer-to-peer learning networks across borders
- Standing in solidarity with parliamentarians under threat
- Creating cross-party coalitions focused on solutions, not divisions
- Engaging with civil society to strengthen our communities
- Advancing inclusive, transparent, and accountable democratic governance across the globe.
Why This Matters
The international rules-based order — built to prevent the devasting global conflicts the world saw in the early 20th century — faces existential threats. The cornerstone institutions of this world order are rupturing. Multilateral cooperation and the architecture of collective problem solving that once held promise is under direct threat.
But we are not powerless.
As elected representatives, we translate global frameworks into local impact. We hold our governments accountable to international commitments. We provide credible, human voices that distant institutions cannot.
Our constituents need to hear from us why cooperation matters.
The Opportunity Before Us
This campaign is about envisioning and building the governance systems we need for the 21st century. Systems that:
- Serve all communities, not just the powerful
- Protect future generations, not just today's interests
- Enable cooperation while respecting sovereignty
- Use technology responsibly to enhance democracy, not undermine it
Parliamentarians are the architects of what emerges from this moment of crisis.
Join #MPsShapeTheFuture
Over the coming months, Parliamentarians for Global Action will be offering a series of resources — peer-learning exchanges, convenings, communications tools, coordinated advocacy — to support you in defending democracy at home, articulating the importance and relevance of international cooperation, and fostering a vision of the future that we can all be proud to leave to the generations that come after us.
This is our moment to innovate and transform.
Immediate Opportunities to Take Action
✓ Sign the Resolution supporting a UN Special Rapporteur on Democracy
✓ Commit to using PGA's Democracy Defense Toolkit in your parliament
✓ Join upcoming webinars on democratic innovation and cooperation
✓ Share why you're an MP for democracy using #MPsShapeTheFuture
✓ Connect with PGA to access resources and peer support
The world needs parliamentarians who will defend democracy at home, champion cooperation across borders, and model the dialogue that builds bridges rather than walls.
The world needs MPs for democracy.
ARE YOU READY TO LEAD?
