Themes of the 28th Forum 2000 Conference
The 28th annual Forum 2000 Conference will be held in Prague, Czech Republic, on October 13–15, 2024.
Against a backdrop of deepening global divisions, the rapid proliferation of technology-related risks, and internal fissures within democratic systems, the conference will critically examine these challenges as well as possible solutions and ways forward.
The discussions will revolve around the following thematic areas:
- World Order on the Brink
- Fragile Democracies
- Democracy and Technology
- Forum for Ukraine
- Thematic and Regional Focus
The imprisonment of Ales Bialiatski is a violation of international law
We are very happy that Forum 2000 Award winner Vladimir Kara-Murza is finally out of prison. Unfortunately, a whole number of other people remain unjustly convicted around the world. In 2023, Belarusian ICDR member, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and founder of the Viasna Human Rights Center Ales Bialiatski was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his human rights activities. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention published a document which recognizes the imprisonment of Bialiatski as a violation of international law and demands his immediate and unconditional release. Natallia Pinchuk, Bialiatski’s wife, said: “Ales remains wrongly detained in Belarus, far from family, deprived of medicine he needs, and living day-to-day in inhumane conditions.” Forum 2000 strongly condemns the politically motivated imprisonment of Bialiatski who was a frequent guest at the Forum 2000 Conference.
How to restore democracy in Venezuela
A disputed election marred by allegations of repression and fraud has paralyzed Venezuela and thrown the region into turmoil. How can the international community most effectively help? We bring you opinions on the situation in Venezuela from Pedro Urruchurtu, the coordinator of International Affairs Vente Venezuela, David Aragort, a member of DSLA and Juan Carlos Vargas, the general coordinator of the Latin American Network of Youth for Democracy.
More information
The EU-Mercosur FTA is more than just a trade agreement
What are the geopolitical perspectives of Mercosur countries in the context of the EU-Mercosur trade discussions? Are both sides wasting a major opportunity for a solidified partnership based on shared values? “Both sides must put aside their disagreements about politics and focus on shared interests in an increasingly hostile world,” thinks DSLA member Anibal Nicolas Saldias.
More information
The Forum 2000 editor’s pick
A selection of essential articles, opinions, ideas, and news from the Forum 2000 community.
Autocracy, Inc. The Dictators Who Want to Run the World | Anne Applebaum | Penguin Random House | International condemnation and economic sanctions cannot move the autocrats. Even popular opposition movements, from Venezuela to Hong Kong to Moscow, don’t stand a chance. The members of Autocracy, Inc, aren’t linked by a unifying ideology, like communism, but rather by a common desire for power, wealth, and impunity. From the Pulitzer Prize winning author and member of the ICDR, an alarming account of how autocracies work together to undermine the democratic world, and how we should organize to defeat them.
Press Play Prague, the first European film festival focused on journalism, will take place on October 8-12 in the legendary Prague cinema Kino Atlas. This unique festival aims to expose the challenges faced by, and the impact of, journalism through film. “By showcasing thought-provoking films that delve into pressing social and political issues, we seek to inspire meaningful discussions about the role of media in society,” says Rachel Danna, festival co-founder and deputy managing editor of Project Syndicate. The full program will be announced in September. The Forum 2000 Foundation is a partner of the festival.