The World Forum for Democracy is taking place in Strasbourg this week, uniting politicians, experts, and young people from around the world to address one of the most pressing questions of our times: how can we revive democracy?

 Running from 5 to 7 November, this year’s Forum comes at a critical moment when citizens worldwide are increasingly more disillusioned with democratic institutions, making the need for solutions more urgent than ever.

Over three days, the Forum will address pressing threats to democratic resilience, including the decline in institutional trust, the rise of artificial intelligence-based disinformation, and the weakening of institutional checks and balances due to populist and autocratic pressures. Through plenary sessions, workshops, and side events, participants will explore how journalism, arts, and culture can enhance democratic societies and how digital technologies can better align with democratic values. By emphasising local practices and experimental initiatives, the Forum promotes democratic innovation and advocates for more inclusive and participatory structures.

Central to this is the inclusion of youth perspectives. More than 50 young leaders have been selected by the Council of Europe’s Youth Department to form the official Youth Delegation at the World Forum for Democracy. At the Forum, these young delegates will actively engage in providing a youth perspective and meaningful youth participation in all sessions, as well as contributing to "time for actions" on behalf of the entire youth delegation.

This event contributes to a New Democratic Pact for Europe, a strategic and political consultation process initiated by the Council of Europe to strengthen democracy's foundations, enhance its benefits, rebuild trust, and innovate its structure. In preparation for their roles, the Youth Delegation will meet at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg from 2-4 November for a tailored preparatory seminar aimed at promoting learning, engagement, and the sharing of experiences, ultimately forming a Youth Delegation of participants from around the world.

As democracy faces significant challenges, the World Forum for Democracy places young people at its core, both empowering and being empowered by the current generation to revive, rethink, and reimagine the democratic landscape of the World.