How can democracy become more inclusive, resilient and responsive to today's challenges? On 3 November, the World Forum for Democracy 2026 will host seven interactive Labs, bringing together innovative initiatives and practical solutions to strengthen democratic participation and protect democratic values.

Organised around the three pillars of the New Democratic Pact for Europe – learning and practising democracy, protecting democracy, and innovating democracy – the Labs aim to translate foresight into concrete action and explore responses to the challenges facing democratic societies.

The sessions will address a wide range of issues, from media and information literacy and citizen mobilisation for climate action to social justice, public services and the fight against hate speech. They will also explore how digital tools can strengthen civic engagement, how to safeguard electoral and democratic integrity, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping democratic governance.

The seven Labs will take place in two series:

14:00–15:20

• Session 1 - Empowering Citizens: Media and Information Literacy for Democracy 
• Session 2 - Citizen Mobilisation for Climate: Rethinking Governance in Times of Emergency 
• Session 3 - Social justice and public services 
• Session 4 - Strengthening inclusive democracy free from hate speech 

15:40–17:00

• Session 5 - Democratic Participation in the Digital Age: What Tools for Strengthening Civic Engagement? 
• Session 6 - Electoral and democratic integrity 
• Session 7 - AI and Democracy: Opportunities, Risks and Governance Challenges 

By showcasing initiatives and encouraging exchanges between participants, the Labs will provide an opportunity to share experiences, explore innovative approaches and identify practical ways to reinforce democracy in Europe.

Recognising democratic innovation

Each year, Democracy Innovation Award is given to the most popular initiative showcased in the World Forum for Democracy Labs. The winner is selected through a vote by Forum participants, recognising innovative approaches with the potential to strengthen democracy.