Democracy International: Global Forum on Modern Democracy 2026
7–10 October 2026 | Gaborone, Botswana
From 7–10 October, the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy will bring together civil society, policymakers, researchers, practitioners and citizens from around the world in Gaborone, Botswana, for four days of exchange on the future of citizen participation and direct democracy.
Taking place in Southern Africa for the first time, the Forum will explore how democratic systems can give citizens a stronger voice beyond elections. Discussions will draw on Botswana’s own democratic experience and its longstanding kgotla tradition of community dialogue and deliberation, alongside international experiences of constitutional reform, youth participation, democratic resilience, natural resource governance and climate action.
The Forum is organised by Democracy International and the University of Botswana, in partnership with Mehr Demokratie, the Swiss Democracy Foundation, Citizens in Charge and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.
Find out more and register: www.2026globalforum.com