WASHINGTON, DC – The World Movement for Democracy will hold its 12^th Global Assembly in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 20-22, 2024, to commemorate 30 years of South Africa’s democracy, celebrate democratic resilience and innovation while building greater unity of effort to counter the challenges facing democracy around the world today. At the 12th Global Assembly, over 500 civil society leaders, political leaders, and thinkers from nearly 100 countries will convene to work in common cause to renew democracy. Under the theme “Revitalizing Democracy: Resilience, Reflection, and Innovation,” delegates will reflect on democratic gains and project the ambitions of the World Movement’s community of action.

South Africa has been a global inspiration for freedom and justice around the world for many decades. “2024 is a tipping point year for democracy as more than 60 countries go to the polls. So much is at stake,” says Maria Ressa, Chairperson of the World Movement’s Steering Committee. “We meet in South Africa in November to find hope and strength, learn from each other, and build the future we want.”

2024 marks the 30^th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections, providing Assembly participants with a unique opportunity to learn and be inspired by the historical achievements of the country’s anti-apartheid movement. While South Africa has made significant progress in building a democratic and progressive society, the country faces numerous challenges such as delivering public services, countering corruption, and protecting marginalized populations. Assembly participants will engage in peer-learning about innovations aimed at rejuvenating democratic processes and institutions.

The 12^th Global Assembly will also take place 25 years after the founding of the World Movement for Democracy, providing the World Movement community an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the past 25 years while strategizing to build a more democratic future. Democracy around the world continues to face enormous challenges. The rule of law is being dismantled; insecurity and conflicts are on the rise; surveillance technologies and generative AI threaten to increase repression; and external state and non-state actors seek to undermine democracies. A democratic future cannot be taken for granted.  At the Global Assembly, leading democracy voices, seasoned experts, and emerging leaders will come together, furthering collective action to mobilize public and political support to achieve their vision for the future of democracy.

To organize the 12^th Global Assembly, the World Movement is partnering with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), Defend Our Democracy (DOD), Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA), In Transformation Initiative (ITI).

About the World Movement for Democracy

The World Movement for Democracy, launched in 1999, is a community of action comprised of individuals and organizations working together to catalyze political and public support for democracy around the world. The Washington, DC-based National Endowment for Democracy serves as the World Movement Secretariat. For more information, please visit the World Movement’s website: www.movedemocracy.org

Media Contacts:

• Christine Bednarz, christineb@ned.org; +1 (202) 200-6872