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GDC Forums 2025: A Global Call for Democratic Resilience

March 04, 2025 • By Nicolette Karina Kalfas ,

The Global Democracy Coalition is proud to announce the GDC Forums 2025, a series of regional gatherings taking place between March and April 2025. The forums will convene democracy advocates, civil society organizations, policymakers, and youth leaders to discuss regional challenges, exchange best practices, and develop collaborative solutions to strengthen democratic resilience.

Each regional forum will provide a space for critical dialogue and action, ensuring that local insights inform global democracy efforts. Discussions will contribute to policy recommendations, advocacy strategies, and cross-regional partnerships, shaping the GDC’s broader global initiatives.

Amid rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and democratic backsliding, the GDC Forum serves as a catalyst for innovation and collective strategies. The 2025 edition focus  on key democracy-related issues, including:

  • Digital Democracy and Disinformation: Exploring how digital tools can strengthen democratic movements while combating the spread of disinformation.
  • Youth Leadership and Political Inclusion: Enhancing young people’s participation in democratic institutions and decision-making processes.
  • Climate Justice and Governance: Addressing the link between environmental challenges, governance, and inclusive policy making.
  •  Civic Spaces Under Threat: Developing strategies to safeguard civic freedoms amid growing restrictions.

Europe Regional Forum – Milan, Italy (March 15, 2025)
Co-hosted by Atlas Movement & GDC

The Europe Forum will explore how democratic societies can unite in a global pro-freedom coalition, tackling challenges such as democratic backsliding, polarization, and international responses to oppression. The event will feature panels, workshops, and strategic discussions to advance value-based alliances, international institutional reform, and cross-regional cooperation in defending democracy.

Americas Regional Forum – Buenos Aires, Argentina (March 19-20, 2025)
Co-hosted by Red de Innovación Local & GDC

The Americas Forum will focus on participatory democracy, youth political engagement, and collaborative governance. Through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and site visits, participants will analyze the barriers to youth engagement, co-create solutions for inclusive governance, and explore best practices in democratic innovation across the region.

Africa Regional Forum – Nairobi, Kenya (March 28, 2025)
Co-organized by The Youth Café, CAHED Kenya, CVA Rwanda, Afrobarometer, SOMWA & GDC

The Africa Forum will bring together regional and global stakeholders to discuss democracy, human rights, and environmental justice, with a strong emphasis on youth leadership. Sessions will cover electoral integrity, civic engagement, gender inclusion, and digital governance, ensuring that democratic solutions reflect local and regional realities.

Asia Regional Forum – Bangkok, Thailand (April 4, 2025)
Co-hosted by The Asia Centre & GDC

The Asia Forum will highlight youth civic engagement and electoral integrity in the region, where over 700 million young people face barriers to political participation. With democratic backsliding and weakened governance structures, this event will focus on actionable strategies to enhance political inclusion and counter authoritarian trends.

The GDC Forum 2025 will feature distinguished democracy advocates, policymakers and civil society leaders, offering interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and strategic roundtables aimed at fostering actionable commitments. With democracy under strain worldwide, these forums will  serve as a rallying point for global collaboration. By uniting diverse voices, the GDC Forums will inspire hope, innovation and meaningful change in safeguarding democracy values for generations to come.

For more information about the Forums, visit the GDC’s official website or follow their social media channels (LinkedIn, X, and Instagram) for updates.

About the authors

Nicolette Karina Kalfas
Research Assistant
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