Global Democracy Coalition Forum 2026
The 2026 edition of the Global Democracy Coalition Forum introduces a renewed structure unfolding in two main phases. The first phase consists of four dedicated Regional Months taking place between March and June 2026, followed by a Global Forum in the fall. This approach ensures sustained visibility and deeper regional engagement, while allowing insights generated throughout the spring to be consolidated into a shared global conversation later in the year.
Each Regional Month will include two preparatory webinars, a dedicated regional episode of Season 4 of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, a hybrid Regional Forum, and a month-long communications campaign designed to amplify regional voices and outcomes.
The GDC Regional Forums 2026 will continue the Coalition’s tradition of convening partners and key democracy stakeholders across Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe. Each forum will create space for dialogue on pressing democratic challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative practices within its respective region, while contributing to a collective global exchange shaping the Global Forum.
The GDC Regional Forums 2026 are sponsored by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
AFRICA GDC FORUM
The Africa Regional Forum 2026, co-hosted by Nuru Trust Network, Youth for SDGs Kenya and the GDC, took place in Nairobi, Kenya on 26 March 2026. This event centered on strengthening youth leadership and digital resilience to counter kleptocracy, corruption, and democratic erosion across African contexts. It explored how young people, civic actors, and digital tools will challenge authoritarian practices, defend accountability, and rebuild public trust. The initiative highlighted locally driven solutions and cross-sector collaboration to advance democratic renewal.
AMERICAS GDC FORUM
The Americas Regional Forum 2026, co hosted by Alma Civica and the GDC, took place on 23 and 24 April, 2026 in Asunción, Paraguay. This event highlighted community-driven democratic renewal, civic participation, and institutional strengthening at the local and regional levels. It focused on participatory governance, citizen engagement, and innovative democratic practices that will strengthen accountability and inclusive decision-making.
EUROPE GDC FORUM
The Europe Regional Forum 2026, co-organized by the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN) and the GDC, took place in Prague, Czech Republic on 19 May, 2026. This forum focused on the growing risks that artificial intelligence, disinformation, and cross-border interference pose to electoral integrity across Europe. It examined regulatory gaps, crisis response mechanisms, and the role of youth, civil society, policymakers, and technology actors in safeguarding democratic processes. The dialogue emphasized practical coordination and actionable recommendations ahead of a dense cycle of European elections.
ASIA GDC FORUM
The Asia-Pacific Regional Forum 2026, co-organized by Asia Centre and the GDC, will take place on 10 & 11 June 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. This event will address democratic governance challenges in Asia, with a focus on civic space, regional cooperation, and inclusive policy dialogue. It will examine how civil society, researchers, and policymakers will respond to democratic backsliding, geopolitical pressures, and shrinking civic freedoms. The project will emphasize evidence-based analysis, regional exchange, and practical policy engagement.
GLOBAL GDC FORUM
The GDC Global Forum 2026, will take place on October 1, 2026 in Athens, Greece. This event will build on a unique global-to-regional-to local model, bringing together the insights, priorities, and solutions identified in the GDC Regional Forums across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and elevate them to the global stage. The Forum will demonstrate that collaboration is not only necessary but possible, and that shared knowledge power, co-creation, and collective ownership can produce greater impact than isolated efforts. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global priorities, the Forum provides a timely space to reconnect democratic practice with collective action. For this year’s Forum, we are working together with the Athens Democracy Forum which will take place on 29 September.
The GDC Regional Forums 2026 are sponsored by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.
