The World Forum for Democracy is an annual gathering of leaders, opinion-makers, civil society activists, representatives of business, social innovators, academia, and media to debate key challenges for democracies worldwide and encourage democratic innovation.

The 2025 edition « Democracy at risk: how can we revive it » is taking place in Strasbourg (France) from 5 to 7 November 2025.

How to apply

Interested public or private organisations worldwide are invited to express their interest in presenting an initiative aimed at finding solutions to revive democracy.

Examples of possible initiatives, but not limited:

• Initiatives addressing the social and economic factors and inequalities that undermine trust in democracy
• New approaches to empowering the underprivileged or underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups and increasing their political mobilisation
• Innovative methods for fostering and sustaining meaningful political engagement, including that of young people, women and minorities
• AI tools supporting informed debate, deliberation, participation and decision-making
• Cultural initiatives affirming democratic values, active citizenship and open debate 
• Initiatives promoting freedom of expression and offering support to independent media and high-quality journalism

One presenter for the selected initiatives will be invited to the World Forum. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered by the Council of Europe.

Submissions should be sent to forum_democracy@coe.int by 17 May 2025.

Find out more here.