Democracy Talks 2025: A Roadmap for Global Democratic Action
Background:
In 2025, the global democracy ecosystem faces unprecedented challenges. Shrinking civic space, funding constraints, digital threats, and rising authoritarianism demand urgent dialogue and collective action. To address these challenges, the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) is launching “Democracy Talks”.
The Democracy Talk dialogue series aims to provide a safe space for GDC partners and allies, for collective reflection, learning, exchange of experiences in how to navigate a new and more challenging environment and identification of collective solutions to address emerging threats and opportunities to the global democracy landscape and the democracy ecosystem.
The Democracy Talk dialogue series will start with a four-part webinar series that will bring together global democracy advocates, policymakers, and experts to explore some of the most pressing issues shaping democracy today.
These webinars will serve as the first step in a year-long conversation, ensuring that democracy stakeholders are not just reacting to crises but actively shaping strategies for the future.
Through “Democracy Talks,” we aim to:
1. Provide a platform for Coalition partners and external experts to exchange insights on emerging developments, lessons learned to date, good practices, and tested and emerging solutions to address the increasing challenges facing democracy and the global democracy ecosystem.
2. Generate concrete recommendations to strengthen and protect democracy, the global democracy ecosystem and funding for democracy assistance in the face of increasing threats.
3. Foster cross-sector collaboration, bringing together civil society, policymakers, journalists, and international organizations around common goals and to collectively advance the global democracy agenda.
The first four dialogues will kickstart the Democracy Talks series, in preparation for the Copenhagen Democracy Summit and its side events, building an initial foundation for the rest of the dialogue series.
Webinar 1: Lessons From Frontline Defenders and Activists
Date and Time: Tuesday April 8, 2025 from 4PM – 5:30PM CET
Moderator: Jaco Roets, Programs and Learning Manager at Accountability Lab
Around the world, democracy activists and human rights defenders are at the forefront of resisting democratic backsliding, autocratization, and state repression. Their experiences provide valuable lessons on how to safeguard civic space, mobilize communities, and maintain resilience in the face of authoritarian threats. This webinar will showcase case studies from frontline defenders and highlight best practices in countering repression and sustaining democratic movements. One of the case studies featured will be Romania, with insights from organizations such as Politica La Minut and Funky Citizens, which have been actively engaged in defending democratic values and civic participation.
This webinar aims to highlight the experiences of frontline defenders and democracy activists in resisting authoritarian tactics. It will examine best practices in countering state repression, protecting civic space, and ensuring the continuity of democratic advocacy. By focusing on real-world case studies, such as those from Romania and other regions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies that have proven effective in defending democracy under pressure.
Webinar 2: New Threats to Democracy and Civic Space
Date and Time: Tuesday April 15, 2025 from 3PM – 4:30PM CET
Moderator: Paulina Ibarra, Executive Director at Fundación Multitudes
Democratic movements and civic space are increasingly under attack through digital repression, misinformation campaigns, and political persecution. Governments and non-state actors are using technology to suppress dissent, manipulate public opinion, and curtail freedoms. At the same time, digital tools also offer opportunities for activists to organize, mobilize, and protect their rights. This webinar will examine the evolving threats to democracy and explore the dual role of technology in either undermining or strengthening democratic movements.
This webinar will analyze emerging threats to democracy and civic space, focusing on digital repression, misinformation, and political persecution. It will explore the ways in which technology is being weaponized against democratic actors while also highlighting how digital tools can be leveraged to protect activists, counter disinformation, and strengthen civic engagement. Through expert discussions, participants will gain insights into the latest trends and strategies for safeguarding democratic spaces in the digital age.
Webinar 3: The impact of democracy funding cuts
Date and Time: Tuesday April 22, 2025 from 3PM – 4:30PM CET
Moderator: Annika Silva-Leander, Head of North America and Permanent Observer to the United Nations at International IDEA
Funding for democracy initiatives and civil society organizations is increasingly under pressure, with many development agencies, regional organizations like the EU and AU, and some foundations scaling back their commitments. This reduction threatens the ability of democracy advocates to sustain long-term efforts, respond to crises, and support grassroots movements. As funding tightens, organizations must adapt and explore new financing models to remain effective.
This webinar will assess the impact of funding cuts on democracy organizations and advocacy efforts, while exploring innovative funding strategies to sustain democracy work. It will provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices in diversifying funding sources, ultimately leading to actionable recommendations for long-term financial resilience.
Webinar 4: Building Alliances for Democratic Action
Date and Time: Tuesday April 29, 2025 from 3PM – 4:30PM CET
Moderator: Paloma Dallas, Senior Program Officer for Democracy Around the Globe at Charles F. Kettering Foundation
Defending democracy requires strong, cross-sector collaboration between civil society, media, international organizations, and governments. No single actor can protect democratic values alone; partnerships and coalitions play a crucial role in amplifying advocacy efforts, strengthening policy responses, and ensuring democratic resilience. This webinar will explore how different sectors can work together to reinforce democratic networks, respond to challenges, and advance collective action.
This webinar aims to highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration in sustaining democratic movements. It will examine how civil society, media, international organizations, and governments can build stronger alliances to promote democracy, counter authoritarian threats, and enhance policy responses. Participants will engage with successful models of collaboration and explore ways to strengthen coordination at regional and global levels.