From 5 to 7 November, the Council of Europe will host the annual World Forum for Democracy, an unmissable event bringing together policymakers, campaigners, experts, intellectuals and young people from across the globe. Together, they will examine the causes behind citizens’ disengagement from democracy and seek solutions to strengthen democratic culture, combat disinformation and foster participation.

The challenges ahead

The 2025 Forum comes at a time when public trust in democratic institutions has been severely undermined by widening wealth inequality, technological upheaval and a pervasive sense of exclusion. This disengagement weakens democracy, paving the way for populism and authoritarian regimes that undermine checks and balances, curtail fundamental freedoms and erode democratic culture.

Journalism, the arts and culture are essential pillars of democratic resilience, encouraging pluralism, inclusion and informed participation. Yet they are frequently targeted by such regimes.

Meanwhile, digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are a double-edged sword. While they can be used to manipulate opinion, spread disinformation and polarise debate, social media platforms, often driven by commercial interests, can also restrict the diversity of viewpoints. However, when properly regulated, these technologies can be a powerful means for disseminating reliable information and strengthening participatory processes.

Ultimately, engaging young people is vital to ensuring the vibrancy and long-term viability of democracies.

New Democratic Pact for Europe

This year’s Forum is part of the New Democratic Pact: a strategic and political process that aims to reinforce and reimagine democracy in the face of contemporary challenges.

In the words of Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who initiated the Pact: “The reflection around the New Democratic Pact for Europe is an invitation to learn, to engage, and to imagine collectively the democracy Europe needs in a world where the centre of gravity is profoundly shifting. Because democracy lives in the decisions we make together.”

Programme highlights

Plenary sessions will focus on crucial topics, such as the impact of media transformation on democracy, the role of culture and cultural policies, the future of citizen participation and the importance of history teaching for grounding democracy.

A session dedicated to ideas will showcase innovative projects from around the world, culminating in the Democracy Innovation Award being given to the most popular initiative at the closing ceremony.

Young people from all over the world, including students from Sciences Po Strasbourg and Syracuse University, will play an active role in the debates.

The three-day forum will also feature artistic performances by local and international talent, as well as exhibitions on 30 years of Ukraine’s membership in the Council of Europe, political prisoners in Belarus, Maltese art, and the renowned Aubusson memorial tapestry, “El Holocausto”.

Strasbourg brings democracy to life

From mid-October to mid-November 2025, Strasbourg City Council will be putting on a diverse programme, with exhibitions (including on political cartoons), film screenings and panel discussions, interactive events and conferences, all centred around democracy.