World Forum for Democracy

Its official! The WINNERS of Conseil de l'Europe Hackathon for Democracy - the Fact-checking Foxes!   Thank you all for a day bursting with talent, purpose, and the will to fight back against disinformation.   The future of democracy looks brighter today. #HackForDemocracy Kreativdistrikt

We are pleased to announce that the winner of the Hackathon “Outsmart Disinformation, Protect Free Speech” is the team from Italy: The Fact-Checking Foxes. #HackForTruth

Third Democratic Debate: Disinformation and Culture The panel focused on the role that culture and cultural policy played in building resilience to disinformation narratives by fostering broad-mindedness and awareness of the complexity of societal challenges. Panelists debated how art and heritage institutions had enabled an open and pluralistic debate across ideological and social divides and helped re-build a sense of community and shared values while preserving artistic freedom. Issues around democratising cultural participation and ensuring diversity and pluralism of perspectives were also on the agenda. Concrete examples of initiatives were shared. https://lnkd.in/dVmiUyqk #NewDemocraticPact  

Just checked in with #Hackathon teams at the Conseil de l'Europe Youth Centre in Budapest. Incredible energy from young people across Europe (and beyond!)  They're the 1st generation raised in a world shaped by algorithms, feeds, and AI. But they’re not passive users — they're active defenders of democracy!

Second Democratic Debate: Disinformation and Elections In an era of growing disinformation, democratic societies face mounting challenges to trust, electoral integrity, and informed public debate. This panel examines the evolving disinformation landscape, the impact on political processes, and potential pathways to strengthen democratic resilience. Speakers explore how trust in journalism and institutions is being eroded, how electoral processes are influenced at both national and local levels, and how the misuse of freedom of expression distorts political discourse. The discussion also addresses the role of social media platforms in amplifying disinformation, and the need for more transparent, responsible digital environments. From participatory democratic innovations and national election case studies to policy responses and journalistic standards, the panel offers diverse perspectives and practical strategies. It also considers the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping the information ecosystem, and how evidence-based responses support informed citizenship and democratic renewal. https://lnkd.in/dVmiUyqk #HackForTruth #NewDemocraticPact

In sync with the Hackathon in Strasbourg, the European Youth Centre Budapest is hosting a satellite event. While not part of the main competition, this youth-powered event connects directly to the big ideas and bold debates happening in Strasbourg. https://lnkd.in/d4Pfne5D #HackForTruth #NewDemocraticPact

First Democratic Debate on disinformation & gender equality explored how disinformation affects women & LGBTI communities. Panellists emphasized that tackling disinformation goes beyond fact-checking - it’s about challenging the systems that allow it to thrive. https://lnkd.in/dVmiUyqk #NewDemocraticPact

Meet the Hackathon teams: 🇮🇹 Danatara | 🇳🇴 TRUSTR | 🇲🇩 Radr | 🇬🇪 EchoBreaker 🇲🇪 Gecko | 🇫🇷🇵🇹 France & Portugal FTW | 🇲🇩 META NGO 🇮🇹 Sunflower | 🇷🇸 Democracy Defender | 🇦🇱 DisXposia| 🇮🇹 The Fact-Checking Foxes Guided by mentors, they’ll pitch their ideas in a Dragon’s Den-style. Stay tuned! https://lnkd.in/d4dGRrze #HackForTruth #NewDemocraticPact

Democratic Debates “Outsmart Disinformation, Protect Free Speech” started with a powerful SG Alain Berset statement: To me, protecting democracy means being able to look my children in the eye, and all of you, and say 'I did not stay silent'. #NewDemocraticPact https://lnkd.in/dpCwHmry

Happening now: the Council of Europe is hosting a landmark event uniting three powerful initiatives under one urgent theme: Outsmart Disinformation, Protect Free Speech. 🗣️ The Democratic Debates  💡 Hackathon  🌍 Satellite event in Budapest Held in the iconic Hemicycle and the European Youth Centre, this event is a key step in implementing the New Democratic Pact, advancing the Reykjavik Principles for Democracy. Democracy is under pressure. It’s time to rethink, innovate, and act. https://lnkd.in/dpCwHmry #ReykjavikPrinciples #HackForTruth #NewDemocraticPact