Democracy at a tipping point?

Democracy cannot be taken for granted. It has to be protected and supported by all means, at the domestic and international level, harnessing its capacity for self-correction and innovation. The world is facing complex global challenges that require agile and effective responses from their governments and institutions. The capacity to respond to issues such as the rise of authoritarianism, tragically illustrated by the war in Ukraine, or pandemics such as COVID, will determine citizens trust in democracy all over the world and have a direct impact on its long-term survival.

This session will be devoted to identifying mechanisms to improve democracy’s ability to address these crises more efficiently while preserving its most basic values including rule of law and human rights by exploring three basic pillars of action: responsible leadership, resilient institutions and digital democracy. In this exchange panellists will draw from the recommendations of Club de Madrid’s Annual Policy Dialogue 2021 “Rethinking Democracy” as well as it’s “Global Commission on Democracy and Emergencies”.

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Welcoming Words: María Elena Agüero, Secretary-General of Club de Madrid; and Sam van der Staak, Head of International IDEA’s Europe Programme.

Speakers: Danilo Türk, President of Slovenia (2007-2012) and President of Club de Madrid; Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium (2008,2009-2011) and Member of Club de Madrid, and Antonella Valmorbida, President of European Partnership for Democracy and Secretary General of ALDA.

Closing words: Ambassador Manuel Alabart, Secretary General of INCIPE.

Facilitator: Marilyn Neven, Programme Manager of International IDEA.