The Strasbourg "World Forum for Democracy" brings together reformers and global leaders to identify democratic responses to the ecomomic, social and political challenges which affect our societies today.
Organized by the Council of Europe, the first session of the Forum takes place from 5 to 11 October 2012 under the general theme of: "Bridging the gap" Democracy between old models and new realities.
On Monday 8 October, the opening ceremony of the Forum will be marked by the presence of international key figures, including:
The Forum will begin with a formal opening attended by leading international figures, to be followed by a meeting of experts from politics, civil society and academia, who will suggest new ideas on democracy related issues for the 21st century. The experts will participate in a one-day symposium with institutional leaders, parliamentarians at European and national levels, academics and young leaders from the network of Schools of Political Studies of the Council of Europe.
Public workshops, arranged by theme and professional category, will also bring together figures from public life to pool experience and good practices relating to democratic governance, public participation and responsible journalism. These sessions open to civil society and to the public will propose new initiatives to strengthen democracies, including the oldest ones, in coping with the challenges of today.
On the sidelines of the Forum, a number of public events, such as a Democracy fair, a film festival, a meeting of the Youth Assembly, civil society debate, etc. will be held in various city venues.
Organised by the Council of Europe, the project is supported by the French Government, the local authorities (City of Strasbourg, Department of Bas-Rhin and Alsace Region) as well as the European Parliament.
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The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485