Democracy // Frontiers in Development: Madeleine Albright

Madeleine K. Albright, Chair, The Albright Stonebridge Group and U.S. Secretary of State, 1997-2001

Dr. Albright joined Stephen Hadley and Graça Machel to conclude the 2014 Frontiers in Development Forum in emphasizing the critical role that democracy and rights play in ending extreme poverty. Dr. Albright underscored the importance of democratic governance and respect for human rights as essential for sustained exits from poverty.

Madeleine K. Albright Chair, The Albright Stonebridge Group and U.S. Secretary of State, 1997-2001

Quotes

Everybody always thinks of democracy as elections...obviously necessary, but not sufficient….What are the elements of democracy? The existence of an opposition party. It’s easier actually when you’re ruling. We’ve all been in the opposition. But the opposition party is what allows for there to be accountability, and gives the voters, the people, a chance to change.

When I was in the government, I thought everything came from the government, but now that I’m not, I think one of the really good tools these days are public private partnerships.

People outside of capitals need to understand that the center isn’t just collecting taxes, but that they actually give back.

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Biography

Madeleine K. Albright

Madeleine K. Albright Chair, The Albright Stonebridge Group and U.S. Secretary of State, 1997-2001

Madeleine K. Albright is Chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group and Chair of Albright Capital Management, an affiliated investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. In 1997, Dr. Albright was named the first female Secretary of State and became, at that time, the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. As Secretary of State, Dr. Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated for democracy and human rights, and promoted American trade, business, labor, and environmental standards abroad. From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Albright served as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations and was a member of the President’s Cabinet. In 2012, Dr. Albright received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Obama.