The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy opened the 2026 East Asia Democracy Forum on Monday, June 1, drawing civil society leaders, scholars and international partners to confront rising social and political polarization and the governance risks posed by artificial intelligence.
Now in its 12th year, the annual gathering focused on the theme “Recentering Democracy: Countering Polarization through Consensus Building.” Organizers said the event would examine the root causes of division, explore innovative remedies and strengthen regional cooperation to safeguard democratic institutions.
In a video message, TFD Chairman Han Kuo-yu described how polarization has intensified across societies, slowing policy consensus and deepening discord between groups. He singled out artificial intelligence as a technology that, while driving progress, presents unprecedented challenges to social trust and democratic governance in Taiwan, East Asia and beyond.
TFD Executive Director Liao Da-qi told participants that AI’s economic opportunities and governance hurdles have become one of the most urgent issues for democratic societies in the coming decade. She called the forum a vital platform for linking civil society networks across Asia, helping to build resilience and prosperity amid turbulent global conditions.
“Taiwan stands at the gateway of East Asia,” Liao said, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to track-two diplomacy and deepening cross-sectoral ties rooted in shared values of freedom, democracy and human rights.
Maiko Ichihara, chair of the East Asia Democracy Forum’s executive committee, noted that the world is experiencing one of the most difficult periods since World War II, with populism on the rise and stability under strain. “This year’s theme on de-polarization is more important than ever,” she said.
The East Asia Democracy Forum is a civil society network dedicated to promoting and consolidating democracy in the region. It serves as a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices and empowering citizens across Asia. This year’s program included three panel sessions featuring scholars and experts from non-governmental organizations.
Attendees included steering committee members of the forum as well as representatives from the Forum 2000 Foundation, the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy, South Korea’s May 18 Memorial Foundation and the Asia Democracy Network. Diplomats stationed in Taiwan, scholars and other civil society groups also joined the discussions.
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy positions the event as part of its broader mission to advance democratic values from a Taiwan base while extending cooperation throughout East Asia and globally.
