Council of Europe Hosts World Forum for Democracy 2026 to Advance Democratic Foresight and Security

The Council of Europe will host the annual World Forum for Democracy on November 2 and 3, focusing on democratic foresight and strengthening democratic security across Europe. Marking the culmination of the consultative phase for the New Democratic Pact for Europe, the event gathers political leaders, civil society, academics, and young people to turn strategic ideas into practical action. Key highlights include the Democracy Innovation Award, youth participation initiatives, and structured discussions on safeguarding democratic institutions against emerging global threats.

RMN News Democracy Desk
New Delhi | October 20, 2026

Shaping the Future of European Democratic Security

On November 2 and 3, the Council of Europe will convene the annual World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg. The event brings together political leaders, civil society representatives, academics, and youth delegates from across the globe. Against a backdrop of ongoing disruptions in the international order, delegates will assess the current state of democracy in Europe and develop strategic solutions to bolster democratic resilience.

Moving From Crisis Reaction to Democratic Foresight

Democracies face complex and rapidly evolving challenges, including socio-economic inequality, shrinking civic space, institutional distrust, public disengagement, cyber-attacks, information manipulation, and foreign interference.

In response to these upheavals, democratic security requires more than reactive crisis management. The 2026 forum adopts “democratic foresight” as its central theme, emphasizing the necessity of anticipating future developments, identifying emerging risks and opportunities, and building long-term collective resilience.

[ Also Visit: RMN Democracy Monitor | Independent Journalism ]

Culmination of the New Democratic Pact for Europe

Following two years of extensive consultations with member states, civil society, and academic institutions, the 2026 forum marks the completion of the consultative phase for the New Democratic Pact for Europe. Launched by the Council of Europe, this initiative reflects on the future trajectory of European governance and practical methods to fortify democratic institutions.

Over the two-day event, discussions will center on preserving essential democratic pillars:

• Free and fair elections
• The rule of law and judicial independence
• Protection of human rights
• Freedom of expression and press freedom
• Institutional checks and balances

Delegates will analyze how these core principles can be maintained while adapting to contemporary social, institutional, and digital transformations.

Global Innovation, Art, and Youth Engagement

The forum serves as an interactive platform to compare global perspectives and translate policy concepts into practical actions. Highlights of the program include:

• Democracy Innovation Award: A dedicated session will showcase innovative governance projects from around the world, concluding with a vote for the Democracy Innovation Award at the closing ceremony.
• Cultural Initiatives: The agenda features artistic performances, documentary screenings, and a Ukrainian photography exhibition under the “Culture vs. war” project.
• Youth Manifesto: Young participants will contribute directly to the consultation process by presenting proposals, notably through their “Manifesto for a European democracy by 2049.”

Dedicated Youth Day at the European Youth Centre

Following the main forum, on November 4, 135 young leaders—including forum participants, representatives from the Grand Est region, and youth from Francophone nations—will gather at the Council of Europe’s European Youth Centre.

This dedicated Youth Day aims to deepen cooperation among young civic activists, introduce them to European standards such as the European Charter on youth participation in local and regional life, and establish a collaborative framework to revitalize democratic engagement across Europe.