The 27th Forum 2000 international conference, a globally renowned platform for discussions on democracy and global challenges, commenced in Prague, dedicated this year to the pressing need for democratic countries to proactively confront the rising tide of authoritarianism. The three-day event features a robust lineup of nearly 50 discussions and workshops, aiming to address key issues related to the state of democracy in today’s world.

The conference, themed “For Democratic World Order,” began on an insightful note and will continue until Tuesday, providing an opportunity for influential thinkers, leaders, and experts to deliberate on pressing global matters. The central theme of the event revolves around devising strategies for democracies to collectively tackle shared challenges in a world increasingly dominated by authoritarian regimes, while also exploring avenues for more effective collaboration among democratic nations.

Filip Sebek, representing the Forum 2000 Foundation, emphasized the significance of the conference, highlighting its extensive program, which encompasses a wide array of topics. These discussions and workshops encompass global security concerns, the influence of Russia and China in Africa, the rise of local extremism, and the impacts of cutting-edge technologies on the functioning of democracy.

Notably, the conference will also allocate a significant portion of its discussions to the situation in Ukraine. A second Forum for Ukraine, held in collaboration with the Czech Foreign Ministry, will delve into the post-war future of Ukraine, firmly positioning it within the European and global democratic community. This initiative reflects the commitment of Forum 2000 to addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges.

The event boasts a distinguished lineup of speakers, with notable figures like Czech President Petr Pavel, Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky delivering speeches. The conference will also host Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chairwoman of the Ukrainian parliamentary committee on EU integration, and Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a Belarusian sprinter and vocal critic of President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime, underscoring the inclusivity of the conference.

Founded in 1997 by the visionary leadership of Czech President Vaclav Havel, Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, and Japanese philanthropist Yohei Sasakawa, Forum 2000 was conceived as a platform for thought leaders from diverse fields to analyze and address the challenges of the new millennium. As a testament to the organizers’ commitment to global engagement, the entire conference is accessible for free online, providing a broader audience with the opportunity to participate in these critical conversations. The proceedings will be conducted in English, further facilitating global participation in the dialogue. The 27th Forum 2000 conference stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration in the quest to preserve and strengthen democracy in the face of growing authoritarianism.

Article by Prague Forum