The 30th annual Forum 2000 Conference, Reimagining the Power of the Powerless, will mark a major milestone by coinciding with what would have been the 90th birthday of President Václav Havel, Forum 2000’s founder. At a time when democracy faces growing pressure from authoritarianism, geopolitical rivalry, and digital manipulation, the conference will bring together around 800 leading politicians, diplomats, activists, dissidents, experts, journalists, and civil society representatives from around 100 countries.
Drawing on Havel’s legacy, participants will explore how to strengthen democratic resilience and reimagine global cooperation through five key themes: the future of the rules-based order, democratic participation and representation, technology and democracy, Ukraine, and regional and thematic challenges. Several discussions will also focus on Generation Z, its role in democratic movements, and the challenges young people face around the world. The conference opening will also feature the presentation of the sixth annual Forum 2000 International Award for Courage and Responsibility.
Democracy and Security in an Era of New Threats
What does security mean for democratic societies today? At a time of geopolitical tensions and growing rivalry among major powers, security is no longer solely a matter of military defense. The conference discussions will explore a broader understanding of security – from societal resilience and Europe’s strategic autonomy to energy, technological, and economic security, as well as the protection of critical infrastructure.
Cyberspace has also become a major source of threats. State-sponsored cyberattacks, election interference, digital repression, and the misuse of artificial intelligence present new challenges for democracies around the world and their partners in the transatlantic community. Discussions will therefore explore how democratic countries, as well as democratic non-state actors, can strengthen cooperation and work together to address these threats.
The security of democracy also depends on resilient civil society. The experiences of Ukraine, Turkey, and civic movements facing internet shutdowns demonstrate the importance of society’s ability to defend democratic values, sustain civic participation, and continue to function under growing authoritarian pressure.
Democracy Across Regions: From Africa and Latin America to the Indo-Pacific
Democratic challenges take different forms across the world, yet they are increasingly interconnected across regions. This year’s conference will therefore feature discussions on the experiences and perspectives of Africa and Latin America, building on Forum 2000’s long-standing engagement through its Democratic Solidarity Africa and Democratic Solidarity Latin America initiatives.
The Indo-Pacific will also receive greater attention this year. At the Forum for Democratic Cooperation (FDC) in Taipei in May, democratic actors from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and partner countries came together to explore ways to strengthen democratic resilience and deepen cooperation amid growing geopolitical rivalry. At the conference, discussions will examine opportunities for closer cooperation between European and Indo-Pacific democracies, as well as the experiences of civic and pro-democracy movements across the region. Their examples demonstrate that even amid a global democratic recession, new initiatives and forms of cooperation are emerging that can inspire democratic actors around the world.
Artificial Intelligence, Disinformation, and the Future of Democracy
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we access information, communicate, and make decisions about public affairs. At the same time, it brings both new opportunities and serious risks for democracy – from the spread of disinformation and the manipulation of public opinion to electoral interference and growing economic and social inequalities.
The conference will examine how AI and digital platforms are transforming the public sphere and political competition, and who should be held accountable for their impact. Attention will also be given to the growing use of AI in election campaigns and foreign interference. The conference will also explore the potential of open-source intelligence tools to expose disinformation and document human rights violations.
As technology platforms gain increasing influence over democratic debate, a key question is how to establish rules that protect freedom of expression and fundamental rights without weakening the ability of democratic societies to counter manipulation. The program will also explore how civil society, media, and democratic institutions can harness new technologies to build more resilient democracies.
