Apply until 15 May to present your initiative or idea in a lab at the World Forum for Democracy 2015
Organisations worldwide are invited to express their interest in presenting either an example/initiative or an idea to respond to security threats in a way that preserves the basic principles of democracy such as freedom of expression, public deliberation, and the privacy of citizens, by answering the questionnaire and sending it to [email protected] by 15 May 2015. The World Forum Task Force will select the most interesting and relevant proposals in June 2015.
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.
The fourth edition of the World Forum for Democracy, to take place on 18-20 November 2015, will focus on the challenges democracies face in addressing security risks without jeopardising freedom and democratic stability.
Initiatives and ideas to be presented and assessed at the forum will roughly fall under the four key categories:
- How much control kills democracy?
- Freedom from fear in a diverse society?
- Is learning of democratic culture adequate today?
- Is freedom of expression and information a reality?
One presenter for the selected initiatives/ideas will be invited to Strasbourg to take part in the World Forum. A number of funded places is available. Any public or private organisation is eligible to apply.
Freedom vs control: For a democratic response
Strasbourg, 18-20 November 2015
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.
Can democracies deal with risks of weakening the protection of individuals, so that they benefit from the internet revolution in a sustainable way 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 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 real-life 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. In addition, the Forum will give space for the presentation and critical review of untested, novel ideas.
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. The Forum will consist of plenary sessions for high-level addresses; keynote introductions and joint debate/summing up, as well as a series of smaller working sessions (labs) to address specific issues through the critical analysis of implemented initiatives or novel ideas.
More about the forum here!
