4th World Forum For Democracy

 
There is a growing sentiment across democracies worldwide about vulnerability to a diverse range of threats – from violent extremism to economic, technological, environmental and geopolitical risks.

This acute public awareness – particularly the fear generated by violent attacks driven by ideology – can accentuate societal divides, sharpen latent conflicts, and destabilise society.

The lack of data protection guarantees with regard to personal data held by internet companies is also a major concern. The growing tension between the concern for safety and the protection of freedoms is one of the key challenges facing democracies today.

Questions in focus

Can democracies deal with security risks linked to the digital revolution without jeopardising freedom and democratic stability? Can they resist the escalation of fear and formulate responses based on civic responsibility and active citizenship? What does democratic security mean today? How can a balance between security and freedom be maintained in a democratic society under threat? These questions will be in focus at the 2015 World Forum for Democracy.

The debate

The World Forum for Democracy will engage decision-makers, opinion leaders and social innovators in a debate about the approaches to be adopted at the international, national, regional and local levels in order to ensure the protection of freedom in democracy facing violence and extremism.

The exchanges will be based on initiatives by public authorities or grassroots actors, which will be examined by an interdisciplinary international panel. General guiding principles will then be drawn up to encourage and support future policy responses and field action.

Four themes

Initiatives and ideas to be presented and assessed at the forum will be grouped under four themes:

1. How much control kills democracy?
2. Freedom from fear in a diverse society?
3. Is learning for democracy adequate today?
4. Is freedom of expression and information a reality?

For the first time, the Forum will not only showcase already existing initiatives, but also innovative, untested ideas to maintain and develop democracy’s basic principles in times of increasing security threats.  Over 1500 participants from a wide range of backgrounds – politicians, academics, activists, media and business professionals from around the world – will attend the Forum and connect live to many others via the internet.

Please find the online application form here.