Application deadline: June 15, 2022

The World Forum for Democracy is a platform for global dialogue and democratic participation that brings new ideas to the work of the Council of Europe and promotes its principles around the world. A unique event of its kind, it deals with the challenges facing democracy, starting from innovative initiatives and practices and promoting constructive debate to find solutions. A democratic exercise, the Forum aims to give the people – demos – their rightful place in political decision-making. It thus contributes to the evolution of democracy towards more participatory and inclusive structures and institutions.

Thirty years ago, many thought the spread of democracy was as inevitable as it was desirable. Those days are now far behind us. Instead, the public and policy makers have seen the spread of democracy slow and, by some measures, reverse.

Those who believe democracy is the best way to govern – and those who don’t – know that democracy is in distress. Many wonder if he will survive. Others are convinced that democratic decline is neither inevitable nor irreversible. The 10th World Forum for Democracy aims to get to the heart of what went wrong. It will look for the major factors contributing to democratic decline, consider how they might be addressed, and explore what kind of democratic future is desirable and possible for people around the world.

The 10th World Forum for Democracy will debate issues and generate new ideas to tackle the decline of democracy we face today.

• Plenary sessions will be an opportunity to discuss with speakers from all continents, including politicians, public and private officials, international organizations and civil society.
• – Forum threads will bring together relevant experts and scholars who will share their experience and discuss how to improve the current situation.
• – Forum Labs will allow participants to discover innovative initiatives that offer answers to the above key questions based on an analysis of their real impact and replicability.

Advantages

Any public or private organization is eligible to apply. A presenter from the selected initiatives will be invited to Strasbourg to participate in the Global Forum.

Travel and accommodation costs can be covered by the Council of Europe if necessary

Council of Europe invite initiatives addressing topics including, but not limited to:

• Deliberative democracy and public policy
• Building resilient, participatory and connected communities through new forms of civic engagement and public-private partnerships
• Activism targeting issues of underrepresented groups, minorities, indigenous communities, immigrants, refugees
• Introduce non-traditional democratic models enhancing citizen participation
• Civic education, new platforms to develop an informed and engaged democracy
• Closing the wealth gap, new or more effective ways to lift people out of poverty, crowdfunding activism
• Promote the accountability of elected officials and their communication with citizens, target corruption, improve the integrity of public life
• Reconciliation process, truth, restorative justice
• Advocacy, protection, support or assistance to activists promoting democratic values
• Promoting intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity and artistic expression as a method of citizen engagement in democracy
• Incentives for ethical governance, democratic participation, or deterrents from polarizing and intolerant social behavior and political extremism
• Prevent the subversion of democratic processes, support fact-checking and combat bias
• Inclusion of non-citizens, children or other excluded groups in the democratic process
• Monitoring, tracking hate crimes, extremism, inequality, polarization or other negative social/political trends

Submission procedure:

Submissions should be made by answering the attached questionnaire and sending it to [email protected] by June 15, 2022.

For more information:

Visit the official webpage of the Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy 2022