“Living in a democracy requires learning about the foundations of democratic society” stated Gudrun Mosler-Törnström (Austria, SOC), President of the Congress, during the Plenary Session 1 ”Learning by doing – From preaching to practicing democracy” at the occasion of the World Forum for Democracy 2016, on 7 November in Strasbourg. “Active citizens are the driving force of any democratic society and education for democratic citizenship must underpin our effort for building pluralist, inclusive and intercultural communities” she explained. “We have to introduce more and more participatory elements in representative democracy and provide for practical ways to engage our citizens directly in democratic governance” she added. Ms Mosler-Törnström also reminded that the Congress, representing local and regional authorities in Europe, has been an active partner in the organisation of the World Forum for Democracy since its inception. 

Statement
Interview Gudrun Molser-Törnström
Forum website
Congress Special File