Yesterday, I spoke at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit to discuss the challenges to democracy around the world, and the work we can do right now with the next generation of leaders to chart a better course.

On every continent, emboldened autocrats are ramping up oppression, they’re targeting minority groups, they’re often flouting international law.

Just as disturbing, within democracies, populist appeals grounded in fear, bigotry, and resentment have elevated leaders who, once they’re in office, have sought to systematically undermine democratic institutions and entrench themselves in power.

In my own country, the forces that unleashed mob violence on our Capitol are still churning out misinformation and conspiracy theories. For those of us who fervently believe in the ideals of democracy, the question is: How do we respond?

The point is, if we want democracy to flourish, we will have to fight for it. We will have to nurture it. We will have to demonstrate its value, again and again, in improving the lives of ordinary people.

And we will also have to be willing to look squarely at the shortcomings of our own democracies—not the ideal, but the reality. Only then will we be able to tell a better story of what democracy can be, and must be, in this rapidly changing world.

A true leader doesn't lead with fear. I believe it is fear and guilt that drives many to hate and cause separatism and never attempt to change from our mistakes. We all make them to learn from them is how we grow. Obama family has led with intelligence, eloquence, and humility.