18-19 September 2025

A WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN:

DEMOCRACY AND INCLUSION IN AN AGE OF INSECURITY

VIEW AGENDA

18-19 September 2025

A WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN:

DEMOCRACY AND INCLUSION IN AN AGE OF INSECURITY

VIEW AGENDA

The 2025 edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels Conference (IDD Brussels) will gather prominent organizations and thought leaders to explore the intersection between democratic values, security, inclusion and global influence as a pressing issue for Europe and its partnerships across the globe.

Organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), Carnegie Europe, and European Endowment for Democracy (EED), this landmark event will take place on Thursday, 18 September (afternoon), and Friday, 19 September (morning).

This year’s edition will take place at two venues in Brussels: On 18 September, it will be held at the Renaissance Hotel (Rue du Parnasse 19), and on 19 September, at the European Economic and Social Committee (Rue Belliard 99–101).

As the conference marks its eleventh edition, the event promises to provide a platform for high-level discussions about Europe’s democracy mission, with a focus on how inclusive democracy is integral to ensuring the European Union’s security, stability, prosperity, partnerships and global influence.

Please note that there is limited capacity and that registration is required. Registrations will be treated on a first-come first-served basis.

INTERNATIONAL DEMOCRACY DAY

THE CONFERENCE AIMS TO

Demonstrate

Demonstrate how inclusive liberties and participation, respect for human rights, and accountable governance are key to security and defending Europe’s way of life in a disruptive global context.

Illustrate

Illustrate the EU’s pivotal role in promoting inclusive democracy both internally and externally. This objective connects IDD Brussels with discussions on the EU’s democracy agenda and related budgets.

Share Insights

Share insights, data and arguments to help democracy defenders and stakeholders enhance their impact. This objective connects IDD Brussels to evidence-based action in support of democracy.

CENTRAL THEMES

European Union’s security

In today’s world of growing geopolitical rivalry between democracies and authoritarian regimes, more democracy means more security. Safeguarding Europe’s future—and its prosperity—requires protecting the integrity of our digital spaces and defending the values that make Europe worth standing up for. That’s why promoting and protecting democracy must be a core part of the EU’s security agenda.

Now more than ever, supporting democratic initiatives is vital to strengthen inclusive governance and push back against the rise of demagoguery. At a time when public trust in democracy is eroding and global challenges are mounting, democratic inclusion is not a luxury—it is essential. To rebuild trust and boost resilience, democratic systems must ensure that everyone has a voice and a stake in shaping our shared future.

Inclusive democracy

The European Union has been a staunch advocate of democratic inclusion both within its borders and in its external relations. Initiatives like WYDE (Women and Youth Democratic Engagement) exemplify the EU’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. WYDE aims to amplify the voices of young people and women in democratic processes, addressing the myriad legal, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their participation. The conference will explore how inclusion strengthens democracy and contributes to peace and security.

EU’s path to prosperity

Given this context, the IDD Democracy Conference 2025 will zoom in on the EU’s path to prosperity, stability and leadership through supporting democracy and infusing values in its strategic internal and external agendas.

The sessions will also unpack some more specific topics under these overarching themes, such as political party engagement, tech and democracy, values and security, and the EU’s foreign and security policy.

IDD BRUSSELS

The annual International Democracy Day Brussels conference is the most prominent yearly democracy event in Brussels. It brings together democracy organisations, civil society and policymakers from across Europe and other regions to talk about emerging issues linked with democracy and the need for partnerships to defend democracy globally. The conference is jointly organised by International IDEA, European Network of Political Foundations, European Endowment for Democracy, European Partnership for Democracy, and Carnegie Europe.

18 September
19 September

Location: Renaissance Hotel (Rue du Parnasse 19)

13:30 – 14:00

Registration and Coffee

14:00 – 14:10

Welcome

14:10 – 14:25

Keynote Address

14:30 – 15:15

High-Level Opening Session: ‘Democracy for All: Inclusive Democracy as a Pathway to Security and Development’

This session will examine how partnerships and alliances can revitalize global and regional cooperation in support of democracy. Drawing on diverse experiences from around the globe, it will highlight how inclusion strengthens democracy and contributes to peace and security. The discussion aims to foster cross-regional understanding and alliance building through shared learning and collective action. What are examples of inclusive democracy practices that have strengthened security? How can we create a multistakeholder platform to advance south-south and south-north democracy partnerships? Marking International IDEA’s 30th anniversary, the session will explore how democratic values can be embedded in international partnerships to promote mutual benefit and cooperation between the Global North and South.

15:15 – 15:45

Coffee Break

15:45 – 16:00

Lightning Talk: ‘Measuring Democratic Inclusion: First Global Youth Participation Index’

16:00 – 16:45

Session II: ‘WYDE Political Parties: Inclusion at the Heart of Political Life’

How can political parties drive inclusive societies? How can they respond to growing public disillusionment with democratic institutions and reconnect with citizens? Why is investing in political parties a fundamental component of any well-thought democracy plan? This session will draw from experiences gathered in the framework of the EU-funded WYDE Political Parties project.

16:45 – 16:55

Lightning Talk: ‘Building Stronger Democracy Policies – Global State of Democracy 2025 Report’

16:55 – 17:25

Spotlight Session: ‘The EU-CELAC Summit 2025 as an Opportunity for Strengthening Democracy’

This session will zoom in on how the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit can help reinvigorate democracy in both regions. What are the challenges that the Summit needs to take into account with regard to democracy, rule of law and human rights? What would member states from the bi-regional EU-CELAC association need to discuss and what can they expect from the EU-CELAC Summit? What recommendations can be produced to bring democracy on the agenda of the Summit?

17:25 – 17:30

Wrap-Up

Location: European Economic and Social Committee (Rue Belliard 99–101)

8:30 – 9:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00 – 9:05

Welcome

9:05 – 9:25

Keynote Address

9:25 – 9:55

Session III: ‘Investing in Values: How the Next EU Budget Can Strengthen Democracy’

Join us in shaping agendas and actionable recommendations to prioritize democracy in the next MFF, building on the Joint Statement on “Support for Democracy in the Next MFF is Key for the EU to Achieve its Ambitions” and the European Commission’s forthcoming Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) proposal, set to be published on 16 July. This session will explore strategies to embed democratic values in external action, strengthen the rule of law, and bolster civil society within the MFF. A must-attend for EU and member states’ policymakers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders committed to the EU’s action to safeguard a democratic world.

9:55 – 10:00

Lightning Talk: ‘Presentation on EED Report on De-Risking’

10:00 – 10:30

Coffee Break

10:30 – 10:40

Keynote Address

10:40 – 11:25

Session IV: ‘Democracy Matters: Values as Strategy, Security as Outcome’

Support for democracy stands as a cornerstone value of the European Union, essential to Europe’s founding principles and to its long-term stability, prosperity and global influence. As Europe confronts escalating threats to democratic governance within its borders and internationally and is seeking to rearm, it is vital that it also deploys its soft power to build genuine grassroots support for democratic principles. Supporting independent media that provide citizens with reliable information and funding civil society organisations that advocate for transparency and accountability is cost effective and sustainable. At this critical time, the EU must continue to champion democratic rights worldwide and integrate them in all its policies. This session will explore how democracy support helps reduce long-term security risks to Europe.

11:25 – 11:45

Keynote Address

11:45 – 12:45

Session V: ‘What Future for Democracy Support? Innovative Approaches to Put Democracy at the Centre of External Policies’

In 2025, democracy actors face unprecedented challenges. Funding is shrinking, anti-CSO narratives are gaining traction, and shifting geopolitical priorities are sidelining human rights and governance concerns. These trends threaten to deepen the global democratic decline at a time when support for democracy is more urgent than ever – yet also more scrutinized. This session will spotlight concrete responses from across the democracy support ecosystem – featuring donors, youth-led civil society organizations, and research and technical assistance providers. It will explore how their approaches are shaping dynamic solutions and influencing policy agendas, including the upcoming EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy.

12:45 – 12:55

Closing Remarks

12:55 – 13:00

Farewell

13:00 – 14:00

Lunch

THE SPEAKERS

Meet some of the high level speakers participating in this year’s International Democracy Day.

Shada Islam

Managing Director, New Horizons Project Geopolitical Strategy Advice and Analysis

Kevin Casas Zamora

Secretary-General, International Idea

Brit Anlar

PhD Candidate, Political Science @ Rutgers Women & Politics

Kirstie Lynn Dobbs

Assistant Professor of Practice, Director of Early College and Faculty Community Engagement Strategy at Merrimack College, United States of America

Emma Theofelus

Minister of Information and Tech, Namibia

Dr. Tasnim Jara

Member, Political Council & Senior Joint Member Secretary, National Citizen Party Co-Founder, Shohay Health

Blair Glencorse

Co-CEO Accountability Lab Global

Jerzy Pomianowski

Executive Director, European Endowment for Democracy

Further confirmations to be announced…

Shada Islam
Managing Director, New Horizons Project Geopolitical Strategy Advice and Analysis

Kevin Casas Zamora
Secretary-General, International Idea

Brit Anlar
PhD Candidate, Political Science @ Rutgers Women & Politics

Kirstie Lynn Dobbs
Assistant Professor of Practice, Director of Early College and Faculty Community Engagement Strategy at Merrimack College, United States of America