Athens Democracy Forum

October 1-4, 2024

DEMOCRACY WEEKEND

October 4-6, 2024

In person, Costa Navarino

Organized by:


Athens Democracy Forum 2024: A Moment of truth

What is truth? The ancient question has returned with an alarming urgency as artificial intelligence, fake news, conspiracy theorists, unscrupulous politicians and authoritarian government systematically undermine fact, accuracy, science, honesty and respectful debate. The notion of “self-evident truths” cited by the authors of the American Declaration of Independence has been abused and sullied, leaving Truth a commodity to be manipulated and bartered by partisan media, shameless politicians and even religious leaders. An inevitable result is that trust in our institutions is at an all-time low. The challenges will be on full display this year as more than 50 countries head to the polls for national elections.

But all is not lost. People the world over are yearning to share in a common set of goals. Differing visions of reality may be at odds with one another, but there are also bold leaders and thinkers making space for opposing views, deliberation and unconventional thinking. Citizen’s groups, innovative governments, enterprising young people and spirited academics are experimenting with new forms of expression that could help heal democracy from the inside. Can trust be restored? Could this be our moment of truth?

The Athens Democracy Forum will convene in the Greek capital, October 1-3, to advance concrete solutions and programs. As in recent years, the event will kick off with a "State of Democracy" session, and topics over the following days will be divided under 3 main pillars: regional case studies, “rethinking” key issues, and practical and innovative new tools. We'll also present the 2nd annual Kofi Annan NextGen Prize (with Kofi Annan Foundation) to a young advocate, as well as the next inductees into the Democratic Innovators Politicians' Hall of Fame (with Apolitical Foundation).

Here is a sample of the topics we'll be debating in the main plenary:

  • State of Democracy: Assessing the Mega Election Year 
  • Rethinking Journalism: A Crisis of Confidence
  • Rethinking Climate Tech: Promise or Pipe Dream? 
  • Rethinking Faith: Vox Dei, Vox Populi
  • Rethinking Citizens: Who’s Listening?

Programming Brief

2023 Speakers

Katerina Sakellaropoulou

Katerina Sakellaropoulou

H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic
Thomas L. Friedman

Thomas L. Friedman

Foreign Affairs Op-Ed Columnist, The New York Times
Jutta Urpilainen

Jutta Urpilainen

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, European Union
Kostas Bakoyannis

Kostas Bakoyannis

Mayor of Athens, Greece
John Kerry

John Kerry

United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (virtual)
Nick Clegg

Nick Clegg

President, Global Affairs, Meta
Laura Thornton

Laura Thornton

Senior Vice President of Democracy, Alliance for Securing Democracy, German Marshall Fund
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

Deepak Chopra, Founder, The Chopra Foundation

2023 MODERATORS

Liz Alderman

Liz Alderman

Chief European Business Correspondent, The New York Times
Roger Cohen

Roger Cohen

Paris Bureau Chief, The New York Times and Host, Athens Democracy Forum
Kim Conniff Taber

Kim Conniff Taber

Editorial Director, Democracy & Culture Foundation
Steven Erlanger

Steven Erlanger

Chief Diplomatic Correspondent, Europe, The New York Times
Daniel Höltgen

Daniel Höltgen

Director of Communications, Council of Europe
Pamela Paul

Pamela Paul

Columnist, The New York Times
Serge Schmemann

Serge Schmemann

Member of the Editorial Board and Athens Democracy Forum Program Director

Image gallery 2023

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