The satellite events are events organised by universities renowned in the sphere of political studies and international relations, non-governmental organisations, municipalities and other institutions.

The organising institutions are free to propose the dates and format of their event, the speakers and the specific topic(s) in line with this year’s Forum main theme. Possible formats include seminars, lecture in schools, survey, social media campaigns or radio/TV debates.

The satellite events should take place before the Forum so that their findings could be presented at the Forum and eventually be included in the Forum’s final report.

The Organising institutions should prepare a brief presentation of the findings of the event which will be put on the website of the World Forum for Democracy.

Events

Back Smart Governance – Territorial Cohesion, Democratic Participation and AI

22 May 2025 16.00 (GMT) - 17.30 (GMT)
Aveiro, Portugal
Event Information

Event Information

Organised by the Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences (DCSPT) of the University of Aveiro, this satellite event of the World Forum for Democracy 2025 brings together academics, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening democratic governance and territorial cohesion.  As part of a broader programme that includes the III International Conference on Public Policy and Data Science (CIPPCD) and the Public Administration Days, the proposed panel, titled “Smart Governance: Territorial Cohesion, Democratic Participation and AI”, will explore the challenges and opportunities that AI and data science present to democratic governance, civic participation, and territorial equity.

Objectives of the Panel:

  • Critically analyse the growing role of AI in public governance, assessing its impact on democratic processes and territorial cohesion.
  • Present and discuss concrete initiatives and good practices where AI and data science are used to strengthen citizen participation and improve equity and efficiency in public decision-making.
  • Explore the ethical challenges associated with the use of AI in public administration, identifying approaches and solutions to ensure responsible and democratic implementation of these technologies.
  • Produce, through a final synthesis session, detailed conclusions and concrete policy recommendations, to be compiled in a specific document for submission to the World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg.

The session will also explore the ethical, institutional, and democratic implications of these technologies, seeking to identify responsible and human rights-centred approaches to their implementation.

Drawing on both academic insights and institutional experiences, the event will culminate in a synthesis session, leading to a policy-oriented document to be submitted to the World Forum for Democracy.

Moderator:
Mario Campolargo and Nuno da Cruz

With the participation of:

  • António Gameiro Marques - Director-General of the National Security Office
  • Helena Moniz -  President of the European Association for Machine Translation
  • Pedro Latoeiro – Centre for Cooperation in Cyberspace
  • Representative of the Regional Electoral Court of Paraná -  Brasil

This satellite event is part of the Council of Europe’s World Forum for Democracy 2025 and reflects the shared commitment to revitalising democracy through transparency, participation, innovation, and ethical governance.

Report >>