At the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Global Progress Action hosted a forward-looking luncheon, “Healing the Nation—Purposeful Policies for the Next Administration,” moderated by Patrick Gaspard, former president and CEO of CAP Action. Through four conversations with elected officials and global leaders, the event focused on the urgency of meeting this moment with actionable, inclusive policies that respond to right-wing populism, restore democratic trust, and deliver progressive change.
The opening panel, “United States State of Play—Challenges and Opportunities,” featured Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D-CA), who reflected on the dual sense of optimism and anxiety shaping the national landscape in 2024. Both leaders offered insights into how past federal actions—ranging from environmental rollbacks to immigration crackdowns—have affected their states and emphasized the need for intentional collaboration moving forward.
When asked how progressive leaders can bridge ideological divides, Kounalakis emphasized the importance of welcoming diversity while recognizing the urgent need to unify against a shared threat: Trump. “Nothing brings us together more than a man who threatens the values we all hold: health care, voting rights, reproductive freedom,” she said. Neguse echoed this, underscoring that while progressives may hold diverse views, they are united by shared values of equality, freedom, and kindness.
The second conversation, “National and Global Patterns in Anti-Democratic Efforts and Fighting Back,” took a global approach, with German MP Lars Klingbeil, Dutch MP Kati Piri, and U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD). Speakers discussed how threats to democracy are manifesting across their countries and what lessons progressives must learn.
Klingbeil pointed to the rise of right-wing populism in Germany, noting how economic and social disruptions create openings for anti-democratic narratives. Piri reflected on the Netherlands, where far-right forces have used misinformation and new media platforms to gain influence. She noted the dominance of far-right content on platforms like TikTok, calling for more strategic digital engagement to ensure young people are exposed to fact-based perspectives. In the U.S. context, Ivey emphasized how structural issues such as race, economics, and industrialization have fueled political tensions. All panelists stressed the urgent need to reclaim narratives, particularly in overlooked communities.
Next, former Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson joined then-former CAP President Neera Tanden in a session on “Urgent Problems and Progressive Solutions.” Tanden opened by framing the current moment as a stark divide between inclusive governance that delivers for all and exclusionary policies that deepen division. Andersson reflected on rising inequality and the widening rural-urban divide, emphasizing that access to quality education is essential to both a prosperous economy and a strong democracy. Tanden echoed these themes, urging future leaders to advance universal benefits that build trust and economic security while addressing the root causes of polarization.
The final conversation, “Meeting the Historic Moment,” featured former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who reflected on her unexpected rise to leadership and her responsibilities during times of disruption and transition. Arden spoke about stepping into power during a period of uncertainty and the importance of centering people over politics. “I focused on people, not power,” she said.
In her first 100 days in office, Ardern worked to deliver tangible change by addressing financial insecurity—particularly for women and working families—through bold policy action. This included expanding paid parental leave, introducing a child tax credit, and making the first year of university tuition-free. She acknowledged that change often provokes fear but advised future leaders to “build consensus, not compromise.” She spoke about the importance of empathetic leadership and her current work with the Field Fellowship, a global network of progressive leaders committed to driving positive change.
Ardern closed with a call to action: “We need to motivate voters to expect better and keep politicians responsible for making things better.” Her remarks offered a powerful reminder of how democratic engagement and high expectations can drive accountability and effective action.