From October 1 to 13, 2024, Geneva hosted its milestone 10th annual Democracy Week, a dynamic series of events promoted by the Geneva Chancellery of State in which the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy plays a key role. Themed “Cultivating Democracy,” this year’s programme addressed the urgent need for meaningful citizen engagement in a world where political divisions are deepening and technology’s influence on democracy is growing.

Media and the U.S. Electoral Campaign 

Timed just weeks ahead of the U.S. elections, Democracy Week brought global and local voices to Geneva, with a highlight being a public event focused on the U.S. media landscape and its influence on democratic discourse. New York University’s Professor Rodney Benson delivered a keynote exploring media’s role in shaping political narratives, sparking a lively debate on how information ecosystems impact elections and voter perspectives.

Insights from Swiss Democracy and Global Perspectives 

October 8 featured an immersive visit to Geneva’s Hôtel de Ville, where participants experienced the unique Swiss democratic system, offering a comparative lens on democratic practices. Later that evening, Pascal Crittin, Director of Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), joined a panel exploring philanthropy’s role in addressing polarization and supporting balanced media coverage.

Interactive AI Exhibit and Youth Engagement 

One of the week’s standout elements was an interactive exhibition from October 5 to 13, “Cultivating Democracy with Artificial Intelligence,” which challenged participants to consider the ethical implications of AI in democracy. Youth involvement was another central focus; a mock trial of AI on October 11 engaged young attendees in an animated debate about the rights and responsibilities of AI in democratic decision-making.

Panel Discussions and Workshops on Democracy’s Core Issues 

Throughout the week, various panels, workshops, and public dialogues enriched Geneva’s discourse on democracy:

• The October 9 seminar, “Framing Civil Disobedience in Democracy,” examined the symbolism and spaces of civil resistance, emphasizing its impact on political change.
• That same day, the Geneva Democracy Dialogue brought together a diverse audience to share personal perspectives on what democracy means today, creating a mosaic of viewpoints that underscored the event’s inclusive spirit.

• Additionally, a policy workshop focused on the effects of youth policies on democracy, providing insights into how young people can influence democratic practices.

   

Strengthening Connections Across Borders 

An informal “Meet & Greet” on October 10 facilitated networking among attendees, including scholars, practitioners, and young leaders, enhancing Geneva’s role as a hub for international democratic dialogue. Throughout the week, Democracy Week 2024 offered a vibrant platform for addressing contemporary democratic challenges, underscoring the importance of renewing democratic practices through inclusive citizen engagement, particularly among youth.

For further information, contact democracy@graduateinstitute.ch or follow on Twitter: @GVAGrad_AHDC and Instagram: @AHCDemocracy.