Welcome to EPD’s Webinar Week, a dynamic series of discussions and learning sessions designed to bring together EPD member organisations, partners, and experts in the democracy support field. Taking place from 13–17 January 2025, this event provides an opportunity to connect, share insights, and strengthen our collective impact as a network.
How does it work
Two sessions per day :
- Morning Sessions (10:00–11:30 AM, CET time)
Hosted by EPD staff, these sessions will feature contributions from EPD members and external speakers, offering diverse perspectives on critical topics. Click here for the zoom link - Afternoon Sessions (2:00–3:30 PM, CET time)
Focused exclusively on EPD members, these sessions will highlight member-driven expertise and initiatives, moderated by EPD staff. Click here for the zoom link
(lost in timezones, check here)
Agenda Overview
Monday 13 January
Fostering Stronger Cooperation: Building Better Links Within EPD Network (Workshop)
10:00 – 11:30 AM CET TIME
9:00 – 10:30 AM GMT TIME
This session will explore strategies and best practices for strengthening cooperation between EPD members, with a focus on overcoming silos and facilitating cross-organisational partnerships. We will examine how to leverage our diverse expertise, work across thematic and geographical areas, and build better cooperation to advance shared goals.
- Breakout rooms
- Open discussion on cooperation mechanisms (working groups, member portal etc.)
Workshop facilitated by Ken Godfrey (EPD’s Executive Director)
Building Bridges: Strengthening Democracy Through Cross-Party Collaboration
2:00 – 3:30 PM CET TIME
1:00 – 2:30 PM GMT TIME
Led by Demo Finland & DIPD
This session will explore the critical role of cross-party collaboration in supporting and strengthening democracy. With their unique mandates as collaborative organisations of domestic parliamentary parties, Demo Finland and DIPD will share how they build trust and foster commitment among political parties to promote effective democracy support policies.
Discussion with Virva Viljanen (Dialogue Adviser at Demo Finland) and Marlene Corydon Harritsø (Learning & Knowledge Advisor at DIPD) facilitated by Sergio Rodriguez Prieto (Strategic Advisor at EPD).
Tuesday 14 January
Key Insights from the 2024 European Democracy Support Review
10:00 – 11:30 AM CET TIME
9:00 – 10:30 AM GMT TIME
This session will explore the key developments affecting democracy globally in 2024, along with the evolving priorities of European democracy support donors. It will also provide a glimpse into what lies ahead in 2025.
Discussion with Richard Youngs (Senior Fellow Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program Carnegie Europe) and Ken Godfrey (EPD’s Executive Director), facilitated by Elene Panchulidze (Research Coordinator at EPD)
Finding Our Programmatic Focus in Times of Conflict
2:00 – 3:30 PM CET TIME
1:00 – 2:30 PM GMT TIME
Led by DRI
Geopolitical tensions and rising conflicts are reshaping the way democracy support organisations operate. Operating under conflict involves logistical hurdles but also oftentimes a shift in programmatic focus. More conflict also entails a reallocation of funding towards security or humanitarian assistance, often prioritised over democracy support. How should we design our projects and activities in times of conflict? How can we be agile enough to shift focus when needed? Can we convince potential donors of the value our projects bring in this new context?
Opening remarks by Nicola Schmidt (DRI’s Executive Director)
Discussion with Sebastian Bloching (Managing Director at elbarlament) and Florence Minery (Deputy director MedAsienat CFI), facilitated by Marek Bazin (Programmes Officer at EPD).
Wednesday 15 January
Youth Engagement and Inclusion in Democratic Processes
10:00 – 11:30 AM CET TIME
9:00 – 10:30 AM GMT TIME
With a strong interest in youth and civil society engagement, this theme can focus on strategies to amplify the voices of young people and marginalised groups.
Discussion with Declan O’Brien (Head, Democracy & Multilateralism Programmes at Kofi Annan Foundation) and Roxanne van der Bliek (Programme Support and Knowledge Officer at NIMD) facilitated by Jeremy Apert, (Programme Manager at EPD).
Representation Without Transformation? Examining the Limits of Youth and Women’s Inclusion in Politics
2:00 – 3:30 PM CET TIME
1:00 – 2:30 PM GMT TIME
Led by NIMD
This session will explore the complex dynamics that arise when youth and/or women are included in political spaces that remain undemocratic. We’ll examine case studies where the inclusion of young people and women has not necessarily resulted in democratic practices or broader inclusion. The session will aim to answer key questions: When and why does inclusion of youth and/or women fall short of fostering true democracy? And how can we ensure that political participation by underrepresented groups translates to inclusive and democratic change?
Discussion with Floortje Klijn (Thematic Lead Women in Politics at NIMD ) and Gracia Grande (El Salvador Programme Manager at NIMD) facilitated by Ana Mosiashvili (Research Officer at EPD).
Thursday 16 January
Global Gateway and EU Democracy Support
10:00 – 11:30 AM CET TIME
9:00 – 10:30 AM GMT TIME
This session will include a presentation of the relevant developments around Global Gateway and its potential implications for the democracy support community. It will then explore strategic interventions to collectively influence the implementation of Global Gateway under the EU commission towards enhanced democracy.
Discussion facilitated by Roy Virah-Sawmy (Policy Coordinator at EPD).
📄 Download the presentation
Localisation in Democracy and Human Rights: Lessons from the Humanitarian Sphere
2:00 – 3:30 PM CET TIME
1:00 – 2:30 PM GMT TIME
Led by People In Need
As the democracy and human rights sphere evolves, the concept of localisation – empowering local actors and shifting decision-making to those closest to the communities affected – has gained prominence. Drawing inspiration from the humanitarian sector, this session invites participants to engage in an open dialogue on how localisation principles can be applied to democracy support work.
Discussion with Sarah Prunier-Duparge (Civil Society and Inclusive Governance Strategy Lead), Hanna Miedviedieva ( Civil Society Engagement Technical Lead) and Anwar Muhammad (Global Partnerships Advisor) at Poeple in Need, facilitated by Laura Pénot (Programme Officer at EPD).
Friday 17 January
10:00 – 11:30 AM CET TIME
9:00 – 10:30 AM GMT TIME
This session will explore the evolving landscape of EU logical frameworks, including recent structural changes (OPSYS, GERF indicators, Results Framework Indicators) and their implications. We will also delve into approaches at various results levels—impact, outcome, and output—providing practical advice and engaging participants in a case study on fitting capacity development interventions to EU logical frameworks.
Workshop facilitated by Leon Hemkemeyer (Head of Programme at EPD) & Corentin Pécot (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer at EPD).
Freedom of Expression Rooted Approach to Information Integrity: Focus on Disinformation
2:00 – 3:30 PM CET TIME
1:00 – 2:30 PM GMT TIME
Led by Article 19
This theme can address concerns around misinformation and the role of civil society in promoting media pluralism and freedom of expression. Sessions could explore strategies for countering disinformation and using technology to foster informed citizen engagement.
Discussion with Maksym Popovic (Article 19 Legal Officer) facilitated by Emma Quaedvlieg (Policy Manager at EPD).