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 2024 edition under the topic « Democracy and Diversity – Can we transcend the divides? » is taking place in Strasbourg (France) from 6 to 8 November 2024.

How to apply

Interested public or private organisations worldwide are invited to express their interest in presenting an initiative aimed at enhancing democracy and contributing to sustainable peace.

Examples of possible initiatives and their challenges (non-exhaustive):

• Initiatives working towards depolarising elections, promoting non-divisive campaigning and different forms of collaborative democracy
• Promotions of unifying leadership and reconciliation in polarised societies
• Alternative methods of making policy decisions
• Efforts to keep social media companies accountable for their polarising impact
• Improvement of the resilience to disinformation 
• Innovative methods for fostering meaningful civic engagement

One presenter for the selected initiatives will be invited to Strasbourg to take part in the World Forum.

Travel and accommodation expenses may be covered by the Council of Europe if required.

Submissions should be made by answering the questionnaire and sending it to forum_democracy@coe.int by 17 May 2024.

Find out more here.