Auditorium Ivan Pictet B
Maison de la paix, Geneva

This is a time of challenge and opportunity for democracy. Recent years have seen young people, frustrated by authoritarian leaders and lack of opportunities, seek radical change to the political system. Workers who have seen their jobs threatened by globalisation have begun to look to populist alternatives to the political establishment. New political movements have emerged to challenge the way politics is done and have acceded to positions of power in some countries.

To retain relevance and legitimacy, political parties, parliaments and other institutions will need to adapt to changes in society; to renew political processes; to create space in politics for younger generations and to make use of their energy.

“Democracy 2030” will explore issues including:

• How will the institutions of democracy – including parliament, political parties, elections – change between now and 2030?
• Are existing political processes able to respond to people’s needs, or do new processes need to be invented?
• What new forms of collaborative, participative decision-making will emerge in the digital era?

Introductory remarks

• Anja Wyden Guelpa, Chancellor of the State of Geneva
• Kareen Jabre, Director of Programmes, Inter-Parliamentary Union

Moderator

• David Sylvan, Professor of International Relations/Political Science, The Graduate Institute, Geneva

Panelists

• Birgitta Jónsdóttir, Icelandic Member of Parliament, poet and activist
• Myriam Boujbel, Tunisian Member of Parliament
• Nico Schrijver, Professor of Public International Law, Leiden University; member of the IPU Executive Committee

This event is organised with the Inter-Parliamentary Union as part of Geneva’s Democracy Week. Interpretation will be available in English and French.

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