World Forum for Democracy 2026: Side events

EXHIBITIONS

Culture vs War Exhibition

by Sergiy Mykhalchuk

2-4 November 2026 | Palais de l’Europe, Lobby of the Committee of Ministers

This exhibition highlights the importance of resilient Ukrainian and European culture by demonstrating how artistic identity transforms into an active tool of peaceful and armed resistance against totalitarian frameworks. The exhibition aims to counter wartime disinformation by providing authentic, firsthand visual accounts that cut through information debris and politicized narratives. It further aims to foster global democratic dialogue through artistic medium by leveraging cultural diplomacy to deepen solidarity with Ukraine and collaboration in support of Ukraine among international policymakers, activists, and larger general public.

Cartooning for Peace Exhibition “Défendons la démocratie !“

26 October - 16 November 2026 | Quai des Bateliers in the City of Strasbourg

Stroll along the waterfront and discover the editorial cartoon exhibition "Defend Democracy!" ("Défendons la démocratie!"), presented by Cartooning for Peace to mark its 20th anniversary.

Democracy is faltering and threatening to unleash monsters; the global geopolitical balance has been upended, replaced by a resurgence of power struggles and conflict. Political, social, economic, and environmental crises are multiplying, and there is no shortage of reasons to worry about the future. In such a context, how can we revitalize a democracy that seems to be running out of steam?

The editorial cartoonists of Cartooning for Peace refuse to give in to resignation; they believe that the fight for democracy—far from being on its deathbed—needs to regain its full vitality in these rapidly changing times. Art, humor, critical thinking, and the irreverence of editorial cartoons—alongside the engagement of civil society—serve as excellent antidotes to the dark passions threatening us, and stand as proof that another world is still possible.

The exhibition is based on the book “Défendons la démocratie!”, published by Éditions de La Martinière in partnership with Amnesty International, France Médias Monde, MGEN, the Jean-Jaurès Foundation, and Artivistas.

This exhibition is presented by the City of Strasbourg and the association Journalisme et Citoyenneté to coincide with the World Forum for Democracy (November 2–3 at the Council of Europe) and the European Journalism Conference (Assises européennes du Journalisme, November 4–6) in Strasbourg.

PROJECTION OF DOCUMENTARIES

Documentary "Tickling the Devil"

by Piotr Małecki and Maciek Nabrdalik with a keynote speech of Petra Bayr, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, followed by a reception

2 November 2026 - 12:00-14:00 | Palais de l’Europe, Projection Room – Ground Floor

Christopher Morris took part in 28 wars. Armed with a photographic camera, he documented bloody conflicts across the world. Today, he tries to lead a peaceful family life, but the demons of war continue to haunt him, and turbulent American reality calls out to him at every turn. In tasteful, black and white frames, the film portrays a man who has not laid down his arms yet and is trying to come to terms with his choices and ambitions in an honest way. It explores the consequences of working as a war photojournalist, which indirectly affects his loved ones, too.

Documentary "The Secret Reading Club of Kabul"

by Shakiba Adil and Elina Hirvonen, followed by panel discussion moderated by Heli Suominen, Head of the Media Department of the Council of Europe

3 November 2026 - 12:00-14:00 | Palais de l’Europe, Projection Room – Ground Floor

The Secret Reading Club of Kabul is an award-winning documentary filmed in secret by young Afghan women who risk their lives to form a reading club under Taliban rule. Inspired by Anne Frank, they document their lives through intimate, unprecedented footage, revealing both the harsh realities of oppression and the courage to resist. Interwoven with director Shakiba Adil’s personal journey, the film is a powerful testament to the enduring power of storytelling, humanity, and hope.

ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES

Concert by Crimean Tatar composer and pianist Usein Bekirov

2 November 2026 - 13:45 | Palais de l’Europe, Lobby of the Committee of Ministers

The Usein Bekirov Trio brings together three accomplished musicians from the Ukrainian jazz scene: Crimean Tatar pianist, composer and bandleader Usein Bekirov, bassist and double bassist Vitalii Ivanchenko, and drummer Oleksandr Murenko. One of the distinctive voices of contemporary Ukrainian jazz, Bekirov is a member of the Recording Academy, an Honoured Artist of Ukraine and a member of the National Union of Composers of Ukraine. His works have appeared several times on the Grammy Awards longlist, and his projects have featured internationally renowned musicians including Bill Evans and Ibrahim Maalouf. His musical language combines jazz, fusion and funk with elements of Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian traditions, while his work as a composer and educator reflects a deep engagement with the musical heritage and cultural memory of Crimea. Together with Vitalii Ivanchenko and Oleksandr Murenko, both highly experienced performers with extensive Ukrainian and international collaborations, Bekirov creates a dynamic and expressive sound in which virtuosity, improvisation and cultural identity meet. On 2 November 2026, the trio will offer the Strasbourg audience a journey through contemporary Ukrainian jazz — music rooted in heritage, yet open to the world. The musicians will also play a separate charity concert for Ukraine at the Museum of modern and contemporary art in Strasbourg on 2 November at 20.00. Musée d'Art moderne et contemporain - Musées de Strasbourg

Bagad Concert

2 November 2026 - 18:00 | Palais de l’Europe, Foyer of the Hemicycle

A bagad is a traditional Breton ensemble that has existed since the 1950s. Inspired by the Scottish pipe band tradition, it consists of three sections: bombardes, bagpipes, and drums/percussion. Each section is led by a penn-pupitre, while the bagad as a whole is conducted by the penn-bagad.

Concert by Las Baklavas

3 November 2026 - 18:00 | Palais de l’Europe, Hemicycle of the Council of Europe

Las Baklavas is a group rooted in the sounds of the Balkans and Latin America, six musicians that bring a unique mix of musique from the Andes to the Caucasus. They propose musical compositions that blend polyphony, computer-assisted music, electronic basslines, and bursts of rap and jazz, creating a texture where traditional and contemporary music coexist alongside each member's unique artistic world.

Las Baklavas was formed in 2021 and has since performed in France, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland with a neo-trad sound that is as festive as it is sharp.