The 2023 Global Progress Action Summit, co-hosted by Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund in Montréal, convened a diverse group of global leaders, policy thinkers, and community changemakers to exchange ideas and chart a shared path toward more inclusive, responsive governance. In a political environment that has seen authoritarianism on the rise, a volatile economy, and rapidly increasing polarization, discussions focused on creating bold new ideas in the progressive agenda. Throughout the two-day summit, leaders engaged in a series of substantive discussions focused on the most pressing challenges facing democratic societies today, with specific priorities such as economic growth for all, investing in good jobs as we tackle climate change, and renewing trust in how democracy delivers results for people amid rapid geopolitical shifts throughout the world.
Global progressive leaders at the summit included Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau, Jonas Gahr Store, Jacinda Ardern, Sanna Marin, and Magdalena Andersson, as well as other leaders such as Mark Carney, Tony Blair, Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, Keir Starmer, Frans Timmermans, Ben Rhodes, Patrick Gaspard, and David Miliband. Then-CAP Action President Patrick Gaspard set the stage for the discussions by acknowledging the crucial inflection point at which the summit was taking place and making clear that through collaboration, action, and optimism, the global progressive movement is capable of persevering.
A central theme of the summit was the understanding that democracy is not self-sustaining; it must be continually strengthened to meet the needs of ordinary people. Participants identified disinformation as a key threat, calling for breaking down information silos and integrating technology in ways that reinforce democratic norms. A dedicated conversation on artificial intelligence (AI) further underscored both the risks and opportunities posed by emerging technologies and the need for progressive leaders to actively shape its governance agenda.
Discussions on climate change reinforced the message that climate action is not only urgent but also must be a central pillar of any long-term progressive policy agenda. Participants emphasized that investing in clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and quality jobs must go hand in hand. Rather than siloing climate policy efforts, leaders highlighted their deep interconnections with other policy arenas, including industry, labor, and public health.
On foreign policy, panelists highlighted the need for principled international engagement rooted in cooperation, credibility, and shared values. From the war in Ukraine to rising tensions with Iran, discussions underscored that effective multilateralism must be grounded in collective principles in order to maintain global legitimacy and resonate with domestic constituencies.
A recurring theme throughout the summit was the growing disillusionment with political systems and democratic institutions that many feel no longer represent or serve them. To restore trust and drive meaningful reform, progressive leaders must approach governance with humility, advance policies that speak to people’s lived realities, and promote values-driven solutions that tangibly improve their daily lives.