Important Facts of the News
- The World Forum for Democracy is held annually by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
- The 2025 edition runs from 5 to 7 November.
- The Forum addresses citizen disengagement, disinformation, foreign interference, democratic backsliding, and climate-related challenges.
- Secretary General Alain Berset emphasized “democratic security” as Europe’s first line of defense.
- The Forum is part of the New Democratic Pact, aiming to reinforce democracy in Europe.
- Young participants include students from Sciences Po Strasbourg and Syracuse University.
- Sessions cover media transformation, culture, citizen participation, and history education.
- Artistic performances and exhibitions include Ukrainian membership in the Council of Europe, political prisoners in Belarus, Maltese art, and the Aubusson tapestry “El Holocausto”.
- Strasbourg hosts a democracy-focused programme from mid-October to mid-November with films, panels, and interactive events.
- The Forum was launched in 2012 and partners with Strasbourg City Council, Grand Est Region, Collectivité Européenne d’Alsace, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Global Dialogue on Strengthening Democracy
The World Forum for Democracy 2025 has brought together policymakers, experts, intellectuals, campaigners, and youth from across the world in Strasbourg. Participants are examining why citizens are disengaging from democratic processes and exploring strategies to strengthen democratic culture, combat disinformation, and encourage active civic participation.
The New Democratic Pact
As part of the New Democratic Pact, the Forum underscores a strategic effort by the Council of Europe to confront modern challenges facing democracies. Secretary General Alain Berset highlighted that true security requires institutions people trust, laws that apply equally, and a stable environment that supports democratic growth, describing this as Europe’s “first line of defense.”
Challenges Facing Modern Democracies
Public trust in democratic institutions is increasingly threatened by inequality, rapid technological change, and social exclusion. These factors can pave the way for populist or authoritarian forces that undermine democratic norms. Journalism, arts, and culture remain crucial in maintaining pluralism, inclusion, and informed participation, though they are often targeted by regimes seeking to weaken democratic resilience.
Digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are a double-edged tool: while they can amplify disinformation and polarization, proper regulation can allow them to enhance information dissemination and participatory democracy. Engaging youth is considered essential for sustaining democratic vitality over the long term.
Forum Highlights and Programmes
Plenary sessions cover the impact of media transformations, cultural policy, citizen participation, and the role of history education. A dedicated ideas session presents innovative global projects, with the Democracy Innovation Award presented to the most popular initiative at the conclusion. Young participants actively engage in debates and discussions.
The Forum also features artistic performances and exhibitions, including a focus on Ukraine’s 30-year membership in the Council of Europe, political prisoners in Belarus, Maltese art, and the renowned Aubusson tapestry, “El Holocausto.” Strasbourg City Council complements the Forum with a month-long democracy-themed cultural programme, including films, panels, and interactive events.
Strasbourg as a Hub for Democratic Reflection
Since its inception in 2012, the World Forum for Democracy has offered an annual platform for global citizens to assess the state of democracy, identify shortcomings, and propose innovative solutions. It is a collaborative effort with local and regional authorities, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, forming part of Strasbourg’s “European Capital” agreement.