The European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe are proud to invite you to the 2024 edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels (IDD Brussels).
In 2024, the year of elections, half the world’s population is going to the polls to elect new governments and representatives who will shape future policy. These elections are taking place in a context of global democratic backsliding, with half of all countries surveyed in a recent report experiencing democratic declines, and all regions showing eroding respect for basic rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
While some of these elections are being held in open environments, many others are taking place under despotic regimes or amidst war and conflict. The integrity of all elections is increasingly under threat, with new technologies manipulating public opinion, increasing hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.
At the same time in many parts of the world, there is evidence of increased political participation. Organisations and movements such as electoral management bodies, anti-corruption agencies and rights institutions are acting as important checks and balances helping to prevent abuses of power and to reduce corruption.
This year, IDD 2024 Brussels will reflect on the electoral year assessing the current state of democracy globally. At this pivotal moment, the conference offers a platform to discuss and shape the EU’s democracy agenda for the coming years. It will bring together policymakers, politicians, activists, and independent journalists from across the world for critical discussions on the state of democracy today, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities ahead.
Special attention will be given to the roles of youth and women in these discussions in the framework of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) programme. This EU flagship initiative aims to promote political pluralism and the inclusiveness of democratic processes.
Cover photo credits: © Bryan Prould
