EIGHTH ASSEMBLY – SESSION REPORTS

The Eighth Assembly attendees participated in more than 50 sessions throughout the conference whose topics were built on the foundation of the World Movement for Democracy’s Steering Committee statement, “A Call for Democratic Renewal.” In the statement, the Steering Committee highlights four core dimensions under which the international democratic community needs to focus their work, including defense of civil society against resurgent authoritarianism; protection of cyberspace as a medium of free expression; preparation for successful democratic transitions; and strengthening global democratic norms. The panels and workshops created a space for activists to share their stories, strategize, and agree on key recommendations.   Please click on the sessions below to review the full session reports prepared by the rapporteurs.  

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1
OPENING SESSION
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Defending civil society	Defending civil society	Digital Security	Preparing for successful transitions	Preparing for successful transitions	Strenghtening global democratic norms
Plenary Session: Conversation on “Understanding the Global Assault on Democracy”	Research Workshop: The Global Campaign Against Democratic Norms	How to Conduct Innovative Issue-Based Mobilization among Youth?	Panel Discussion: Preparing Civil Society for its Role in Successful Transitions, Protecting New Democracies, and Guarding Against Extremist Movements	Public Participation and Government Services: How to Root Democracy in the Daily Lives of Citizens?	How Can Economic Reforms Contribute to Democratic Renewal and what do Leaders Need to Know?
Engaging Effectively with Global Initiatives to Defend Civic Space			Active Citizen Engagement in Public Policy Making: Elections as an Entry Point	How Can Local Governments Provide Space for Democratic Development and Protection of Human Rights?
Regional Workshop	Regional Workshop	Regional Workshop	Regional Workshop	Regional Workshop	Regional Workshop
African Democracy at Risk: Averting Recession, Promoting Progress	Asia Democracy Forum of the ADN: The State of Democracy in Asia—Challenges and Opportunities for Civil Society	Central and Eastern Europe: How Can Civil Society Respond to Russia’s Efforts to Hinder Democratic Transitions and European Integration?	Shrinking Space for Civil Society in Eurasia: Clash of Values, Authoritarian Trends, and Regional Context	Latin America and the Caribbean: Ideas for Innovative Activism	Middle East and North Africa Regional Workshop
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Defending civil society	Defending civil society	Digital Security	Preparing for successful transitions	Preparing for successful transitions	Strenghtening global democratic norms
Network of Democracy Research Institutes (NDRI): The Global Authoritarian Challenge	Beyond the Usual Suspects: Engaging Artists in Civic Space Advocacy	Panel Discussion: Digital Threats against Civil Society and Potential Solutions	How to Move Beyond “Negative” Peace?	LGBTI Rights: Confronting Prejudice in Claiming Civic Space	Plenary Session: Conversation on The UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) Process on Closed Societies: What Can We Learn from the COI on North Korea?
How Can We Use International Human Rights Mechanisms Effectively in Authoritarian Countries?	How Can We Best Support Democratization from Outside the Country?		Moving from Protest to Politics: How to Ensure Democratic Transitions in Fragile Contexts?		Implementing Commission of Inquiry (COI) Reports on Closed Societies: The Case of the COI Report on North Korea
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Defending civil society	Digital Security	Preparing for successful transitions	Preparing for successful transitions	Preparing for successful transitions	Strenghtening global democratic norms
Panel Discussion: How Can Civil Society Respond to the Current Resurgence of Authoritarianism?	Research Workshop: How Can New Technologies Help Ensure Free and Fair Elections?	How Can we Best Address Threats against Minority Rights through Dialogue and Political Processes?	Kleptocracy: Its Corrosive Impact on Democracy at Home and Abroad	How Can Civil Society Help Secure Democratic Transitions in Unstable Contexts?	Panel Discussion: Developing an International Action Plan to Renew Democracy: What do the Leaders and Citizens of Advanced Democracies Need to Do?
Consultation for UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and of Peaceful Assembly: Best Practices for Managing Peaceful Protests		Inter-Generational Dialogue: Creating Shared Values for a Sustainable Democracy Movement	What are the Best Strategies for Expanding and Deepening Women’s Political Participation?	Building Political Support for Independent Media: The Role of Civil Society	Corporate Citizenship and Collaborative Governance
Supporting Human Rights Defenders in Danger: Current and New Approaches to Regional and Global Assistance		How Can Institutionalizing Post-Conflict Reconciliation Provide a New Path for Democracy	How Can Education Help Cultivate Responsible Democratic Citizenship?	Enhancing Democracy through Access to Open Data: What are the Roles of Civil Society and Media?
		How Citizen Movements Impact Political Parties and How Parties Can Respond	How NGOs that Integrate Multi-Partisan Actors Can Improve the Quality of Democracy
DEMOCRACY COURAGE TRIBUTE AWARD PRESENTATION