DEMOCRACY AND INCLUSION IN AN AGE OF INSECURITY

This session will examine how partnerships and alliances can revitalize global and regional cooperation in support of democracy in the face of geopolitical shifts, challenges to democratic norms and values, and erosion of multilateral systems. Drawing on diverse experiences from around the globe, it will highlight how inclusion strengthens democracy and contributes to peace and security. What are examples of inclusive democracy practices that have strengthened security? How can we resist fragmentation of our international alliances, and the deliberate polarisation of our societies? Marking International IDEA’s 30th anniversary, the session will explore how democratic values can be embedded in international partnerships to promote mutual benefit and cooperation between the Global North and South.

In a world where democracy is increasingly questioned, and legitimacy often challenged, political parties remain both the most distrusted and yet most essential institutions in democratic life. How they adapt — or fail to adapt — to shifting societal expectations will shape the future of governance.

This session explores what happens when inclusion becomes a political strategy — not just a checkbox or quota, but a transformative force. Through the lens of the WYDE Political Parties Project, this conversation brings to Brussels the stories of African women political leaders and changemakers who are reshaping politics from within. Their testimonies offer more than inspiration — they offer real-time lessons in innovation and power-building that speak directly to the wider global conversation on democracy and security.

Session co-facilitated with the EU-LAC Foundation.
This session will zoom in on how the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit can help reinvigorate democracy in both regions. What are the challenges that the Summit needs to take into account with regard to democracy, rule of law and human rights? What would member states from the bi-regional EU-CELAC association need to discuss and what can they expect from the EU-CELAC Summit? What recommendations can be produced to bring democracy on the agenda of the Summit?

In 2025, democracy actors face unprecedented challenges. Funding is shrinking, anti-CSO narratives are gaining traction, and shifting geopolitical priorities are sidelining human rights and governance concerns. These trends threaten to deepen the global democratic decline at a time when support for democracy is more urgent than ever – yet also more scrutinized. This session will spotlight innovative responses from across the democracy support ecosystem – featuring donors, youth-led civil society organizations, and research and technical assistance providers. It will explore how their approaches can shape new strategies and policies among the major democracy support donors.

Join us in shaping agendas and actionable recommendations to prioritize democracy in the next MFF, building on the Joint Statement on “Support for Democracy in the Next MFF is Key for the EU to Achieve its Ambitions” and the European Commission’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal, presented on 16 July. This session will explore strategies to embed democratic values in external action, strengthen the rule of law, and bolster civil society within the MFF. A must-attend for EU and member states’ policymakers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders committed to the EU’s action to safeguard a democratic world.

Support for democracy stands as a cornerstone value of the European Union, essential to Europe’s founding principles and to its long-term stability, prosperity and global influence.

As Europe confronts escalating threats to democratic governance within its borders and internationally and is seeking to rearm, it is vital that it also deploys its soft power to build genuine grassroots support for democratic principles. Supporting independent media that provide citizens with reliable information and funding civil society organisations that advocate for transparency and accountability is cost effective and sustainable.

At this critical time, the EU must continue to champion democratic rights worldwide and integrate them in all its policies. This session will explore how democracy support helps reduce long-term security risks to Europe.