THE WORLD FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY, TECH AND HUMANKIND - SHAPING OUR FUTURE, SAVING FREEDOM
THE WORLD FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY, TECH AND HUMANKIND - SHAPING OUR FUTURE, SAVING FREEDOM
Panel Discussions:
Renew Democracy
The World Forum on the future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind
18 & 19 February 2024 - Berlin
Taiwan, Ukraine, and Nations Under Threat –
Why Protect Democracy?
Focusing on the challenges faced by Taiwan, Ukraine, and other nations under threat, this panel discussion revolves around the significance of protecting democracy abroad, the impact of authoritarian regimes on global stability, and the potential consequences of failing to defend democratic nations. Panellists include former Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the Legal Counsel of the United Nations Hans Correll, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia Eva-Maria Liimets, Human Rights Activist Maysing H. Yang, President of Hello Taiwan Ming Chiang, and the film director of “Invisible Nation” Vanessa Hope. The panel highlighted the importance of advocacy for international cooperation among democratic nations, including defense alliances and economic, military, and diplomatic support to deter aggression and promote global stability.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'Taiwan, Ukraine, and Nations under Threat – Why protect democracy?'
State Secularism as a Basis for Democracy and Human Rights
In this panel discussion, Moncef Marzouki, the first democratically elected president of Tunisia after the January 14th Revolution in 2011, and Marieme Helie Lucas, sociologist and women’s rights activist, highlighted the nuances of secularism and religious dictatorship in the Arab world, as well as the history and evolution of secularism. Marzouki emphasized that the divide in the Arab world is not between secularists and Islamists but between Democrats and anti-Democrats. He argued for the importance of accepting plurality in society and respecting the rule of law and pointed out that religion is often used to legitimize dictatorships, citing examples from Saudi Arabia and Iran. Lucas focused on the complex relationship between religion and secularism in modern society, emphasizing the differences between secularism and neutrality. She also argued that democracy is incompatible with immutable religious laws interpreted by self-appointed clerics and criticized the representation of Islam by reactionary figures.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'State Secularism as a Basis for Democracy and Human Rights'
How to Protect the Division of Powers as the Basis of Democracy?
The panellists discussed the critical role of the division of power in maintaining democracy, highlighting its erosion in countries like Turkey and Hungary. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, emphasised the competition among the executive, legislature, and judiciary in democratic systems, noting challenges from Kenya to Israel. Andras Baka, former President of the Supreme Court of Hungary and a member of the European Court of Human Rights, highlighted threats to the separation of powers in Hungary due to executive overreach and legislative dominance, suggesting international pressure as a solution. Yavuz Aydin, a former judge in Turkey, detailed the erosion of rule of law in Turkey post-2016 coup, advocating for diplomatic pressure to uphold human rights. Yossi Beilin, former Minister of Justice in Israel, recounted Israel's internal struggle against judiciary undermining by the extreme right, stressing the importance of public protest and international attention in safeguarding democratic values.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'How to Protect the Division of Powers as the basis of democracy?'
Female Leadership: Less Conflict and More Prosperity
The panel discussion explored the complexities of female leadership, focusing on resilience in tough environments and advocating for equality amid global conflicts affecting over 114 million people. Panellists highlighted the importance of women's voices in leadership, particularly in crisis management, policy-making, and social change during times of war and rights erosions. They advocated for increased female leadership participation to create a more equitable future and stressed the need for global cooperation to empower women and recognize their contributions.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'Female Leadership: Less Conflict and More Prosperity'
How to Stop the Slide into Authoritarianism - Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, China and India?
During the panel, experts examined the global decline in democracy, focusing on Turkey and China. Barbora Bukovská highlighted that only 15% of people live in countries with free access to information. Dolkun Isa discussed China's global authoritarian influence, while Yavuz Aydin shared experiences of judicial repression and media control in Turkey. Hayiuer Kuerban addressed Uyghur treatment and Chinese propaganda. The panel emphasized the potential of sanctions to deter authoritarianism and the need for coordinated efforts to protect democratic values.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'How to Stop the Slide into Authoritarianism - Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey, China and India?'
The Borderline Between Legitimate Self-Determination and Separatism
Former Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov and former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond participated in a panel moderated by Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE, exploring the complex and sensitive issues surrounding legitimate self-determination and separatism. Ivanov discussed the significant rise in independent states from 62 to 196 over the 20th and 21st centuries, emphasizing the ongoing demands for statehood driven by various groups and the legal complexities involved. He used examples like East Timor, Kosovo, and Catalonia to illustrate the contentious nature of these movements and the importance of balancing self-determination with territorial integrity. Salmond highlighted the principle of self-determination in international law, advocating for peaceful and democratic processes, and criticized the international community's focus on violent movements. He called for clear criteria and support for nonviolent self-determination efforts, using Scotland's peaceful pursuit of independence as an example.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'The Borderline Between Legitimate Self-Determination and Separatism'
Donald Trump 1/6/2021 & 2024:
US Constitution, NATO and Ukraine
This panel revolved around the role of NATO, Ukraine’s potential membership in it, European defence capabilities, and the geopolitical implications of “Trumpism”. Henning Otte, a member of the German Bundestag, expressed astonishment at Trump's past comments questioning NATO's value, highlighting the historic importance of NATO for peace and freedom. Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, CEO of the German Council on Foreign Relations provided insights into Germany's skepticism regarding Ukraine's NATO membership. U.S. representative Tom Malinowski expressed his perspective on Ukraine, arguing that a democratic, prosperous Ukraine joining the NATO would be a significant rebuke to Putin's aggression. Jules Naudet, film director of 9/11, highlighted the transformation that the Republican Party has undergone through Trump's influence and the challenges it poses to bipartisan cooperation, particularly regarding aid to Ukraine. CNN correspondent Jeanne Merseve raised concerns about the defence capabilities of European allies, questioning their efficiency given their current industrial production capacities.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'Donald Trump 1/6/2021 & 2024: US Constitution, NATO and Ukraine'
How to Stop the Rise of the Far Right & When Does the Quest for Cultural Homogeneity Turn Into Discrimination/Racism/Nationalism?
This panel discussion addressed the recent rise in far-right extremism, exploring its causes and emphasising the need for a multi-dimensional strategy to combat the problem at its root and promote a more inclusive society. Karl Graf Stauffenberg - a German politician and the grandson of Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, who tried to assassinate Hitler in 1944 - discussed the multifaceted factors of rising extremism and underscored the need to address the issues at various levels, from a local scope to EU-wide initiatives. Dr. Ulrich Brückner, Professor at Stanford University, delved into the historical and contemporary implications of extremism, emphasising the need for constructive solutions to preserve European integration amidst nationalist sentiments. Former European Commission Official Willem Noe linked the rise of populism to economic crises, income inequality, and demographic shifts, calling for tailored responses to populism at both EU and member state levels.
Trailer of panel discussion on 'How to Stop the Rise of the Far Right & When Does the Quest for Cultural Homogeneity Turn Into Discrimination/Racism/Nationalism?'