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Citing a report from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Biden said, "more than half of all democracies have experienced a decline in at least one aspect of democracy over the last ten years, including the United States."

The U.S. organized the virtual "Summit for Democracy" to counter what it sees is a rise in authoritarianism.

After the United States' global standing took a beating under predecessor Donald Trump, Biden has pledged to return the United States to world leadership to face down the likes of Beijing and Moscow.

American officials have promised a year of action will follow the two-day gathering of 111 world leaders, but preparations have been overshadowed by questions over some invitees' democratic credentials.

The White House said it was working with Congress to provide $424.4 million toward a new initiative to bolster democracy around the world, including support to independent news media.