USC to host live discussion for International Day of Democracy

For the first time in its history, USC will celebrate International Day of Democracy, Monday, Sept. 15, with a conversation between USC Interim President Beong-Soo Kim and Hollywood icon and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The conversation, titled “A Democracy Day Dialogue,” will be held on the University Park Campus, kicking off the university’s Presidential Distinguished Speakers Series and focusing on the current state of democracy in the world and its impact on global politics. Following the conversation, the Day of Democracy event will feature a Q&A with students, as well as students at USC’s Capital Campus joining remotely from Washington, D.C.

“Democratic freedoms are sometimes easy to take for granted, but any democracy can fail if each new generation doesn’t cherish and live the values of free inquiry and mutual respect that support it,” Kim said. “I hope every student takes a moment to appreciate the democratic freedoms that previous generations have fought and died for.”

In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly voted to recognize and celebrate the International Day of Democracy to encourage governments worldwide to review the state of democracy around the globe. The first official recognized celebration occurred Sept. 15, 2008.

Schwarzenegger is an ideal guest to kick off the university’s celebration of the Day of Democracy, as he has a long-standing connection to USC through the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy based at the USC Price School of Public Policy. The institute, founded in 2012, is dedicated to advancing post-partisanship, civic engagement and real-world solutions to today’s toughest challenges.

“I hope students are inspired by Gov. Schwarzenegger — no matter where they fall on the political spectrum — to care about what’s going on outside them and to engage with our democratic system,” Kim said.

USC interim president: Prioritizing civil discourse

Since becoming interim president of USC on July 1, Kim has prioritized civil discourse as a pillar of his leadership, underscoring the role USC and other institutions of higher learning have historically played as forums for critical thought and discussion. He wants USC to be a place where students and community members can emerge as stronger, more agile leaders with high emotional intelligence, capable of listening to and comprehending others’ experiences, ideas and points of view.

Under Kim’s leadership, the university is launching forums, events and other opportunities for the Trojan Family — including students, alumni, faculty and staff — to peacefully and thoughtfully engage on issues that may divide or unite specific communities.

“There’s a quote I like, which is often attributed to Voltaire although he probably didn’t say it: ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,’” Kim said. “That’s an important mindset if we want our democratic freedoms to flourish.”

USC’s observance of the Day of Democracy will also feature other announcements and events that will foster the shared values of trust and respect, Kim said.

“It’s important not to be so certain of your beliefs that you can’t even listen to or process other perspectives,” Kim said. “Maintaining an open mind is important both to democracy and to great scholarship and learning.”