International Democracy Day Brussels

International Democracy Day Brussels is an annual Brussels-based event organised each September to mark the UN International Day of Democracy. 

Since 2015, this event has been organised by a partnership of democracy organisations and think tanks, namely: European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), European Endowment for Democracy (EED), the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, and since 2020, Carnegie Europe.

Hear from International IDEA experts in the following sessions:

14:20 -15:00 CEST on 19 September

Session 1: Elections 2024 - Latest state of play
2024 is a super election year. Elections will be held in 8 of the world's 10 most populous nations (Bangladesh, Brazil, India, United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Russia, Mexico) as well as in 16 African countries. Around 2 billion voters - approximately a quarter of the world's population - are expected to be heading to the polls this year. How will these elections impact the world in general and democracy in particular? Is the world becoming more or less democratic? Has the European Union done enough to promote democracy in partner countries?

Speakers:

• Laura Thornton, Senior director of global democracy programs, McCain Institute
• Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA
• Pita Limjaroenrat, Former leader of Move Forward Party, Thailand
• Shada Islam, Managing Director, New Horizons Project Geopolitical Strategy Advice and Analysis

10:45-11:35 CEST on 20 September

Session 5: Gender Equality and Authoritarianism
As gender disparities widen in countries with authoritarian regimes or restrictive political environments, women's political participation is particularly at risk. Women rights defenders and gender equality political advocates are developing strategies as they become the targets of authoritarian governments and far-right movements. Amidst the numerous elections happening in the world this year, the resilience of young women activists is coming to the fore.

Speakers:

• Saskia Brechenmacher, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu, Principal Adviser, Democracy and Inclusion, International IDEA
• Salma Al-Nims, Senior Social Affairs officer, Gender Equality and Inclusion, UNESCWA
• Sonia Gassemi, Women's rights activist and artist
• Japleen Pasricha, Founder-CEO & Editor-in-chief of Feminism in India
• Viviane Ogou, Researcher and civil society leader

11:50-12:40 CEST on 20 September

Session 6: After the EU elections - What's next for the EU's democracy agenda globally?
The European Parliament elections marked the beginning of a new term and ushered in a renewed EU leadership tasked with driving the EU agenda for the next five years. What are the emerging priorities and focus areas for supporting democracy? How can the EU be a global leader on democracy? How can the incoming European Commission and newly elected European Parliament translate these priorities into concrete actions that strengthen democracy?

Confirmed speakers:

• Chiara Adamo, Head of Unit Gender Equality, Human Rights and Democratic governance, DG INTPA  Confirmed
• Christian Leffler, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service
• Leopoldo Lopez, Venezuelan opposition leader
• Moderator and commentator: Sam van der Staak, Director for Europe, International IDEA