Onuakalusi Advocates for Dialogue-Driven Democracy

At the Transatlantic Summit, Hon. Jess Okei Joe Onuakalusi urged political leaders worldwide to prioritize dialogue as a foundation for defending truth and sustaining democratic governance.

He presented a paper titled "Defend Truth: Public Debate and Build Space for Dialogue," highlighting the essential role of truth in public discourse for democratic growth. Onuakalusi warned against censorship and misinformation, which he noted weaken trust in democratic institutions.

He illustrated the complexities of public life and the necessity of structured dialogue to resolve conflicts and prevent democratic breakdowns. He expressed concern over the declining trust in electoral participation, using Nigeria's 2023 general elections as a case study.

Onuakalusi emphasized the need for a legal framework that supports responsible public discourse and urged stronger global commitments to dialogue and peace-building mechanisms. He condemned violence against citizens and called for justice and accountability, asserting that peace cannot be achieved through force alone but requires trust and inclusive governance.