President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton Turn The World Forum and Berlin into the Center of the World
by opening The World Forum and meeting Chancellors Scholz & Merkel, Merz, President Macron, and Tony Blair
Berlin - The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, AI / Tech and Humankind on 18 & 19 March opened with contributions by Pope Francis, US President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te, Heads of States of Kosovo, Israel, Palestine, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Romania, Tunisia, Moldova, and Lithuania, Nobel Peace Laureates Maria Ressa & Oleksandra Mathviichuk, Co-Godfather of AI Yoshua Bengio, the "President of Russia in-exile" Vladimir Kara-Murza, the High Representative for Bosnia Christian Schmidt and the Founder of The World Forum & Cinema for Peace Jaka Bizilj.
US President Bill Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025
President Clinton: “How you behave when you don’t win—that’s democracy”
President Bill Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025 in Berlin: “The most important thing about democracy is how it works when you don’t win,” he said. “It’s about the rule of law being greater than the rule of will.”
President Clinton reflected on the rise of identity politics, inequality, and information bubbles that fuel division and resentment. “The information ecosystem today is bizarre,” he said. “People feel like victims. But democracy is hard work. You’ve got to win now and then to be heard, and you’ve got to connect with people—especially those who disagree.”
Secretary Hillary Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025
Hillary Clinton: "Autocracy is on the march"
Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered a passionate opening remarks at The World Forum 2025, on the global threat of autocracy, disinformation, and technological manipulation. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” she said. “Autocracy is on the march—and we now have a U.S. government that has thrown in its lot with the autocrats.”
Secretary Clinton highlighted the danger of algorithm-driven disinformation that addicts and divides societies. “Algorithms addict us and poison us with hatred and fear,” she warned. Quoting fellow Forum speakers Maria Ressa, Natalia Gavrilița, and David Sinclair, she emphasized the need for renewed civic education and the revival of civic virtue to protect freedom and self-governance.
“I greatly admire your dedication to the preservation of such universal values, as well as the positive contributions you have made to the global community.”
— President Lai Ching-te
President of Taiwan Congratulates The World Forum
We are honored to share a heartfelt congratulatory message from President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan to The World Forum, held on March 18–19, 2025. His message was distributed to all participants of the Forum, including world leaders such as President Bill Clinton and various heads of state.
In his official message to The World Forum, President Lai praised the event’s commitment to strengthening global dialogue on democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and peace.
Opening statement by Geoffrey Robertson at The World Forum 2025
Geoffrey Robertson Calls for
World Security Council at The World Forum
In a powerful opening statement at The World Forum 2025, Geoffrey Robertson KC called for the creation of a World Security Council—a new alliance of democracies committed to defending liberal values, human rights, and the international rule of law.
With the U.S. retreating from its global leadership role, Robertson urged 125 ICC-member democracies and others to form a Democratic Union: a body with a Charter of Rights, a Constitutional Court, and the courage to protect democracies under threat.
“We must find the courage within ourselves to preserve the planet, protect human dignity, and provide opportunity for people everywhere. This road will be long, but with artists and filmmakers helping to light the way, I know we will get there together.”
The President of the United States of America Joe Biden
President Biden Congratulates Secretary Clinton and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Receiving the Cinema for Peace Award
At the World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind on 18 & 19 February 2024, organized by Cinema for Peace in Berlin, Sharon Stone quoted a message from a letter by President Joe Biden to Cinema for Peace. In his letter, President Biden extended heartfelt congratulations to Secretary Hillary Clinton and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for receiving the prestigious Cinema for Peace Award. He praised the award as a testament to their lifelong commitment to promoting democracy and peace globally. President Biden also emphasized the significant role of cinema in reflecting our humanity and advancing societal change. He commended the Cinema for Peace Foundation for its work in highlighting films that address critical global challenges, reinforcing the power of the arts in fostering a more just and peaceful world.
Inaugural speech by 8th UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at The World Forum
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Calls for Global Solidarity in the Defense of Human Rights and Democracy
In a powerful address at the World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind on 18 & 19 Feb 2024, 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon articulated the fundamental interconnections among peace, security, economic development, and human rights, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.
World's Leading Philosopher
Yuval Noah Harari Contributes to The World Forum
Historian, Philosopher and Bestselling Author Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari Addresses The World Forum
How Technology Can Help Humans Flourish
In his powerful address to The World Forum, Professor Yuval Noah Harari examines the critical intersection of technology and politics, urging us to harness technological advancements to strengthen democracy and human agency. He challenges us to redefine our roles from passive observers to active creators in shaping a politically empowered future. Watch his compelling speech to explore how innovative technologies can be pivotal in advancing freedom and enhancing governance globally.
A New European World Order
The World's Leading Economy Will Lead the Free World With Democratic Values, Armed Forces, Satellites, Value Based Social Media and AI
The topic “A New European World Order” was discussed at The World Forum 2025 in Berlin, where global leaders, ministers, parliamentarians, military officials, and experts in technology and disarmament gathered to address Europe’s role in an increasingly unstable world. At a time of global uncertainty, rising authoritarianism, and technological disruption, the panel emphasized the urgent need for Europe to step up as a democratic power—championing digital sovereignty, multilateral cooperation, human security, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law. From the future of NATO to rebuilding public trust and redefining global infrastructure, the discussion offered powerful insights and bold calls to action. Explore the top quotes and highlights from our distinguished speakers below.
General Ben Hodges, Former Commanding General, US Army Europe:
“Ukraine is not an island—it’s a critical part of Europe. Our leaders must treat people like adults: explain strategy, clarify objectives, and involve the public. Strategic failure in Afghanistan taught us this. Europe must now lead with clarity and cohesion.”
Matthew Hodgson, CEO/CTO of Element & Project Lead, Matrix:
“The elephant in the room is digital sovereignty. Most infrastructure used in Europe today—Teams, Signal—is American. Does it make sense for sovereign nations to rely on foreign tech for core communication? France, Germany, and Ukraine now use Matrix-based systems that allow complete national control.”
Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach of Ireland:
“Democracy is both a deliberative and participative exercise… Yet, in the age of AI and social media, political reaction has become instant. Many capable people are turning away from public office—this is a global problem. Cultural diplomacy is more relevant now than ever.”
Jonathan Granoff, President, Global Security Institute:
“Nations are tools we create. The dignity of the person is sacred—and Europe understands this better than most. With the US retreating, Europe must step up to lead on human rights, climate, and multilateralism. Human security, not state security, must be the new foundation.”
Harjit Sajjan, Former Minister of Defense & Emergency Preparedness, Canada:
“Peace and democracy do not occur naturally—they must be built and protected. If we fail to work together now, our children will inherit cycles of war, injustice, and crisis. The time for collective, preventative leadership is now.”
Chris Law, Member of Parliament, UK:
“Only 20% of the world’s population lives in democracies. We forget that because we live in one. Brexit weakened relationships, but we now have a chance to rebuild trust. For Scotland, the future lies with the EU—core to democracy and values.”
Heiko Thoms, State Secretary, German Ministry of Finance
“NATO is about one thing: trust. And that trust has been shaken. Germany is now investing €500 billion in infrastructure and defense over the next 12 years. We must act as Europeans—stronger, united, and sovereign, especially in the face of demographic and digital challenges.”
Dr. Pavel Podvig, Director, Russian Nuclear Forces Project: “Nuclear deterrence is a fragile concept—one that relies on rational behavior, transparency, and communication. But in today’s climate of mistrust and rising geopolitical tension, these assumptions can no longer be taken for granted. Europe must urgently invest not only in defense but in arms control dialogue, risk reduction, and crisis prevention mechanisms. The margin for error is shrinking.”
From top left to right: Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, corporate security executive and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Lilia Chanysheva, former coordinator of regional offices of the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny, former head of Open Russia movement Andrei Pivovarov, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerskhovich, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Memorial Human Rights Centre Oleg Orlov, government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir service Alsu Kurmasheva, Russian opposition activist and former municipal deputy of the Krasnoselsky district Ilya Yashin, artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko.
Special Mission Accomplished to Save Lives of Dissidents in Russian Prison
Fearing for the lives of Vladimir Kara-Murza and others wrongfully kept in prison in Russia and Belarus – especially after the death of Alexei Navalny – Cinema for Peace founder Jaka Bizilj initiated a prisoners' exchange of Kara-Murza, Evan Gershkovic, Paul Whelan and others by sending former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder‘s confidant Detlef Prinz to the German chancellory, to Moscow and to Istanbul in order to strike a deal, after all official negotiations had failed for more than a year. While bureaucrats endangered the objectives of this mission again, which involved several governments, courageous heads of state like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with Minister of Justice Dr. Marco Buschmann, and particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proved effective. Two weeks later US President Joe Biden and Chancellor Scholz announced the exchange of prisoners. We thank Detlef Prinz for masterfully executing a ‘‘mission impossible“ for Cinema for Peace and The World Forum in a rare and small window of opportunity.
The World Forum was Held by the Cinema for Peace Foundation and its Partners
For the past two decades, the Cinema for Peace Foundation has hosted over one billion participants, initiated more than 20 films, and raised more than $10 million for humanitarian efforts. The Cinema for Peace has collaborated with over a hundred of Academy Award winning artists; more than 30 heads of state; ministers and elected officials; and iconic human rights activists including Nelson Mandela, The Dalai Lama, Muhammad Ali, and Mikhail Gorbachev.
The Cinema for Peace Foundation also contributed to protecting the lives and freedoms of dissidents such as Alexei Navalny, Ai Weiwei, and Pussy Riot. The foundation’s dedication to upholding human rights triggered the liberation of Burmese comedian Zarganar after the release of the documentary film, The Prison Where I Live. Films such as this have inspired open and solution-focused dialogue at The World Forum to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Leonardo DiCaprio & Mikhail Gorbachev introducing the International Green Award at the Cinema for Peace Gala.
The ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo at the Justice Gala by Cinema for Peace in New York.
Nicole Kidman as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador with ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda at Cinema for Peace.
UN SG Ban Ki-moon receiving the Justitia Award on behalf of the UN by Cinema for Peace in Kampala.
Cinema For Peace Gala 2024
Honours Pope Francis, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, UN SG Ban Ki-moon, Helen Mirren, and the World's Most Influential Filmmakers with Sharon Stone, Pussy Riot, Sir Bob Geldof, Ann Curry, Ukrainian Nobel Peace Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and 102-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer
Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock and Sharon Stone present The Cinema for Peace Honorary Award to Secretary Hillary Clinton
Speakers at The World Forum
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Bill Clinton
42nd President of the United States
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Ban Ki-moon
The 8th Secretary-General of the
United Nations -
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Hillary Rodham Clinton
First Lady & U.S. Secretary of State
(2009 - 2013) -
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Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia
President of the Pontifical Academy for Life
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Gordon Brown
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007-2010)
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Yoshua Bengio
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Maria Ressa
Nobel Peace Laureate & Founder of Rappler
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Geoffrey Robertson
World’s Leading Human Rights Lawyer
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Vladimir Kara-Murza
Russian “President in-exile”
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Vjosa Osmani
President of Kosovo
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![https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_Ching-te]()
Lai Ching-te
President of Taiwan
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David Sinclair
World’s Leading Scientist on Longevity
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Sharon Stone
Actress, Artist, Activist
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Sir Bob Geldof
Irish singer, Writer and Political Activist
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Oleksandra Matviichuk
Human rights lawyer
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2022) -
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José Ramos-Horta
President of Timor-Leste
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1996) -
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Moncef Marzouki
President of Tunisia
(2011 - 2014) -
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Salome Zourabichvili
President of Georgia
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Natalia Gavrilita
Prime minister of Moldova
(2021 - 2023) -
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Raila Odinga
Prime Minister of Kenya
(2008-2013) -
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Gjorge Ivanov
President of Macedonia
(2009 - 2019) -
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Eamon Ryan
Irish Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications
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Hans Corell
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the Legal Counsel (1994 - 2004)
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Stuart Jonathan Russell
Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley
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Jan Eliasson
Foreign Minister of Sweden
(2006 -2006) -
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Joseph Yossi Beilin
Justice Minister of Israel
(1999-2001) -
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Tom Malinowski
U.S. House of Representatives
(2019 - 2023) -
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Eva-Maria Liimets
Foreign Minister of Estonia
(2021-2022) -
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Ann Curry
Humanitarian Correspondent
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Dr. John Barker
Founding Director of Cambridge Governance Labs at Cambridge University
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Nadya Tolokonnikova
Russian musician, political activist & founding member of the Pussy Riot
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Ivan Simonović
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights (2010–2016) & Minister of Justice of Croatia
(2008 -2010) -
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Prof. Hans Kochler
Philosophy professor & the Founder and President of the International Progress Organization ( I.P.O.)
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Melissa Parke
Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons & Member of the Australian House of Representatives (2007 - 2016)
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Ulrike Guérot
Political Scientist, Founder and Director of the European Democracy Lab
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James Bacchus
American Lawyer
Member of U.S. House of Representatives (1991-1995) -
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Henning Otte
Member of the German Parliament Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee
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Narges Mohammadi
Noble Peace Laureate
(In Iranian Prison)
The Panel Discussions
At The World Forum 2025
The World Forum 2025 hosted a total of 40 panel and round table discussions on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, categorised into six segments. The Forum served as a platform to renew democracy and define the future of humanity. To encourage real change, some panels were followed by a lawmaking workshop aimed at developing blueprint legislation for governments around the world.
To learn more about each segment, please click the links below: