The Third Summit for Democracy: Call for Proposals

The third Summit for Democracy is taking place on 18 to 20 March 2024 in Seoul, the Republic of Korea. The theme will be ‘Democracy for Future Generations’. The three-day Summit will feature a range of activities, including a Cohorts, Civil Society and Youth Engagement Day.

The Summit for Democracy cohorts, civil society and youth organizations will have the opportunity to organize sessions relating to their work from the Year of Action and other themes relevant to the Summit. A Call for Proposals is now open.

All interested civil society or youth organizations are invited to complete this form.

The deadline for submitting your session proposal is 21 January 2024. Please read the guidelines below carefully before submitting your proposal. Interested organisations are welcomed to join the Q&A meeting on Day 2 on Wednesday, 28 January 2024, at 2 pm CET/8 am EST by registering here.

Proposals will be reviewed in two tracks:

1. Cohort Sessions - All Democracy Cohorts will be guaranteed an in-person session at the Third Summit. Cohort sessions can be public or by invitation only.
2. Non-Cohort Sessions - There will be plenty of space in the agenda for additional in-person public sessions hosted by other stakeholders. Where a large number of proposals are received, organizers will be encouraged to merge sessions on similar themes.

In addition, organizations are encouraged to apply for exhibition booths in the hallways of the conference venue. The exact details of the space available is not yet confirmed, however we expect to be able to accommodate organizations to host tables in the public areas to display publications and other information, with exhibitors able to supply their own background stands etc.

Cohorts, Civil Society and Youth Engagement Day activities are a central part of the Third Summit for Democracy. As drivers of country action, the democracy cohorts can contribute valuable insights and experiences from the Year of Action and recommendations to Summit for Democracy participants. Other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to submit proposals for sessions that will advance the understanding of the Third Summit’s theme, through expertise, dialogue and peer exchange. Partners' perspectives will greatly enhance the quality and diversity of the sessions and the informal networking opportunities, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for all Summit attendees.

Session proposals should consider the following points:

1. Proposals should carefully consider how they will contribute to the Third Summit’s overall theme of ‘Democracy for Future Generations’ as well as reflecting continuity of themes from previous Summit for Democracy events. Sessions that relate to the topics under consideration by Democracy Cohorts are particularly encouraged.
2. Proposals should be for sessions of 75-120 minutes. Where justified, longer session times may be possible.
3. Each session should aim at a substantive output that can support the deliberations of Summit for Democracy attendees. Sessions that deliver recommendations for in-country action, analysis of Summit for Democracy commitments or similar outputs will be particularly welcomed.
4. All sessions will be held on the third floor of the COEX Center in Gangnam, Seoul. A map with indicative room sizes, layouts and other requirements will be provided at a later stage. This includes details regarding audio-visual equipment, interpretation , podiums, lights, stands etc.
5. Session organizers are responsible for all travel and subsistence expenses associated with their event. We are unable to provide any support for travel or visa arrangements. Passport holders from more than 100 countries do not require a visa to travel to Korea and can use the K-ETA system. All visitors are strongly encouraged to apply for their visa or K-ETA in good time.
6. Only in-person sessions will be accepted. Owing to the constraints of time-zones, hybrid events are discouraged.
7. We expect speakers and other participants in sessions to reflect the diversity of democratic society. You should ensure your proposal reflects diversity in expertise, stakeholders, genders and regions (where appropriate to the discussion). Particular consideration should be given to youth representation in the session.
8. Consider creative session formats that facilitate dynamic discussion and knowledge exchange:
   a. Knowledge Café - Divide participants into small groups that have a discussion on key questions, then ask each group to share their conversation takeaways with the larger audience.
   b. Lightning Talks - Curate a set of speakers to use storytelling to present their ideas and share examples of inspiration or failure around the session theme.
   c. Panel - Design a dynamic, facilitated conversation with up to a small group of experts or practitioners, including government officials, civil society members, and representatives from other sectors.
   d. Town Hall - Facilitate a conversation with key respondents and community members to provide a space to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas and potentially seek consensus around a particular issue.
   e. Workshop - Facilitate the exchange of experience around interactive activities, such as project presentations, discussion around case studies or trainings on specific tools, techniques, or skills.

To submit a session proposal or apply for an exhibition booth, follow this link to the Call for Proposals form.