Council of Europe: “Democracy = peace?” is the theme of the new edition of the World Forum in Strasbourg

The World Forum for Democracy is back at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. From 6 to 8 November, as every year since 2012, intellectuals, politicians, activists, experts and young people from all over the world will be meeting and discussing the theme of this year’s edition: “Democracy = peace?”. The debate will focus on “crucial issues”, the European body explained in a statement, at a time when “war has once again returned to the European continent”, democracy is under threat, “inequalities are widening, and politics is polarising”, with governments “struggling to cope with unforeseen events including climate change, pandemics and the rise of new technologies”. The Forum will begin on 6 November with three plenary debates around three themes: “Democracy untended?”; “Peaceful Societies?”; and “International Communities for a Democratic Security?”. On 7 November, the exchange of views will continue with a series of talks on topics ranging from “The truth of war crimes – Making Use of Electronic Evidence and Open-Source Intelligence” to “Memory, Memorials and Teaching History”, passing through the issue of “Women, Democracy and Peace” and “Economics of Peace”. Ten “labs” will provide an opportunity to present actions implemented with respect to the issues raised during the Forum. The most “popular initiative” presented in the labs will be awarded the Council of Europe’s Democracy Innovation Award on the final day. The entire Forum will be web streamed.
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