The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives with far-reaching consequences for democratic space and pluralism, social and economic equality, and geopolitical balances. At a time of crisis, it is more important than ever to protect and promote democracy.

The new US administration and the EU’s renewed commitment to multilateralism hint at a renewed global momentum to safeguard global security, democracy and stability. As President Biden stated during his appearance at the European Council in March 2020, the US is determined to ‘re-energize our cooperation. And deepen this historic bond’. That is why we are proud to organise International Democracy Day as a week of events from 15-17 September, on the theme ‘Stronger Together: Partnerships for supporting democracy’.

With a focus on the renewed global democracy agenda, the 2021 Democracy Week will feature an exciting line-up of international speakers from across the democracy spectrum who will speak of their experiences of democracy partnerships, from inter-state cooperation, transnational and trans-sectoral partnerships to local initiatives.

You can register here.

The European Endowment for Democracy is hosting the following panels (both online):

After Afghanistan: A discussion with the Brussels democracy support community | Wednesday 15 September 12:00-13:00 CEST

The fall of Kabul four weeks ago has highlighted the failure of nearly 20 years of institution-building and raises questions about the effectiveness of democracy support. Executive Directors and representatives of leading European democracy support organisations will review what recent events in Afghanistan mean for democracy support at a time when democracy faces severe challenges, but retains significant support from citizens around the world. Speakers will discuss lessons to be learned, and the kinds of democracy support now possible in Afghanistan and other countries worldwide, and will look at success stories of the recent past.:

Speakers:
- Jerzy Pomianowski, Executive Director of European Endowment for Democracy
- Leena Rikkila Tamang, Regional Director for Asia and Pacific, International IDEA
- Magdalena Kirchner, Head of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office in Kabul
- Ken Godfrey, Executive Director, European Partnership for Democracy

Moderator: Alistair Scrutton, Head of Communications and Knowledge Management, International Idea

Register for this panel here.
More information about the speakers here.

Supporting democracy in Europe and the European Neighbourhood - The role of independent media and civil society | Friday 17 September 12:00 - 13:30 CEST

As governments throughout the European neighbourhood have continued to respond to the COVID-19 health emergency and react to deepening economic crises, civil society and independent media are playing a crucial role in building and defending democracy. This session will welcome a range of speakers from the MENA region and the Western Balkans, including civil activists and independent journalists, to discuss their instrumental role in protecting and strengthening democracy.

Welcome words by Maria Arena, MEP, Chair of DROI subcommittee

Speakers:
- Danilo Krivokapić, Share Foundation, Serbia
- Yaşar Adnan Adanali, Center for Spatial Justice, Turkey
- Yara El Murr, The Public Source, Lebanon

Moderator: Ece Temelkuran, writer and journalist.

Register for this panel here.
More information about the speakers here.