World Forum for Democracy 2024: Democracy and Diversity – Can We Transcend the Divides?
From November 6th to 8th, 2024, our Chairperson, Henriette, represented our organization at the 12th World Forum for Democracy (WFD) in Strasbourg. As a member of the Delegation of the Conference of INGOs of the Council of Europe, Henriette joined global leaders, activists, and young changemakers to discuss the Forum’s theme: “Democracy and Diversity – Can We Transcend the Divides?”
About the World Forum for Democracy
The World Forum for Democracy is a prestigious platform where political decision-makers and grassroots activists engage in critical conversations about the future of democracy. By highlighting innovative practices and experimental initiatives, the Forum fosters dialogue on strengthening participatory and inclusive democratic structures.
The 2024 Forum included various formats:
- Plenary sessions to explore overarching challenges, such as elections, disinformation, and citizen engagement.
- Labs that provided spaces for presenting and analyzing democracy projects.
- Forum talks with interactive panels fostering deeper audience engagement.
- Networking events to build connections among participants.
Henriette’s Highlights from the Forum
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Critical Discussions
Henriette began her participation by attending the opening plenary session, “Time for Facts, which presented statistics and trends regarding democracies and autocratic regimes worldwide. The day continued with three thematic plenary sessions:
- Elections and Values Divides: Discussions highlighted how values are dynamic and require ongoing dialogue, especially in times of geopolitical conflict and rampant disinformation. The need for intergenerational political leadership and digital media literacy—across all age groups—emerged as critical solutions.
- Unraveling the Web of Disinformation: This session emphasized the role of education in combating disinformation, advocating for “prebunking” strategies to prevent the spread of false information. Media accountability and international cooperation were also discussed as pillars of resilience.
- Citizen Engagement for Democratic Renewal: Speakers stressed the need for vibrant civil society, independent academia, and innovative approaches to make democracy appealing. They also underlined the importance of leadership accountability and collaboration between political actors and grassroots movements.
Day 2: Youth and Marginalized Voices at the Forefront
As a representative of a youth-led organization focused on education and advocacy, Henriette prioritized sessions addressing youth engagement and diversity.
In the Lab “Youth Engagement: A Key to Promoting Diversity in Society?”, participants presented initiatives such as youth parliaments and education-through-entertainment projects. These examples underscored the value of empowering young people to actively participate in political discussions.
During the Forum Talk “Youth Engagement in Democracy—On What Terms?”, panelists emphasized meaningful participation, advocating for young people to not only have a voice but also a seat at decision-making tables. They highlighted the need for visible youth leadership, inclusive structures, and investment in sustainable engagement platforms.
Henriette also attended the Lab “Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Diversity in Action” where presenters shared powerful methods such as using personal stories to foster empathy and music to empower youth. The discussion reinforced the importance of tailoring democracy initiatives to local contexts while treating participants as equals.
Day 3: Solidarity and Future Agendas
The final day featured the plenary session “From Populism to Authoritarianism: Is the Erosion of Democracy Inevitable?”. Panelists reflected on the interconnectedness of national and international challenges, urging greater multilateral cooperation and protection of democratic principles.
In the session “Conversation of Generations” Henriette engaged with discussions on the roots of democracy, the dangers of social media manipulation, and the necessity of intergenerational dialogue. Solidarity with marginalized groups and grassroots democracy efforts were emphasized as cornerstones of democratic renewal.
The closing plenary, “Reporting from the Forum and Agenda for the Future” echoed many of Henriette’s key takeaways:
- Education, particularly digital literacy, remains a cornerstone of democracy.
- Young people and women must be more prominently represented, not only as participants but as moderators and agenda-setters.
- Democracy requires continuous effort and must adapt to appeal to those who feel disenfranchised.
Reflections on Henriette’s Participation
We are very thankful for the opportunity to be present through the Conference of INGOs and Henriette’s engagement at the World Forum for Democracy 2024 underscored the essential role of youth in shaping democratic futures. By attending Labs and Forum Talks that aligned with our organization’s mission, she brought back valuable insights into fostering inclusive participation and empowering marginalized voices.
Her presence as a youth leader at such a prestigious event reaffirms our commitment to advocating for democracy and diversity at all levels. The ideas and practices discussed will undoubtedly inspire future projects and initiatives within our organization and beyond.
