Biden to Host World Leaders for "Summit for Democracy"

U.S. President Biden is going to convene world leaders for a virtual "Summit for Democracy" on Dec. 9 and 10, the White House announced on Wednesday.

The summit "will bring together heads of state, civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector," to discuss "the challenges facing democracy so as to collectively strengthen the foundation for democratic renewal," with a follow-up, in-person session one year later, it said in a statement.

The White House did not disclose specific countries that will be participating.

Biden vowed to "once more place America at the head of the table" in the international effort to fight corruption, defense against authoritarianism, and advance human rights.

Therefore, Biden organized the summit to defend democracy and human rights at home and abroad. However, he had been unable to host the summit until now due to challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

The first of two summits will be held virtually on Dec. 9 and 10, and will feature heads of state and representatives from civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector, according to the White House.

A second summit will then be held after a "year of consultation, coordination, and action" on the group's commitments.

In addition to addressing challenges facing democracy, the summit's participants will discuss collaboration on "the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and growing inequality," according to the State Department.