Democracy Forward – Inspiration Festival

On 15 September, International Day of Democracy, Brussels will spend the day focusing on one of the most important questions of our time: how do we keep our democracy strong, resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing society?

The Democracy Forward inspiration festival is the annual gathering organised by the National Lottery Fund for Democracy, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation and in partnership with BOZAR, BELvue and the City of Brussels, where projects, ideas and stakeholders come together to showcase and discuss how we can make our democracy stronger and more resilient. The Fund was established on the conviction that democracy cannot be taken for granted. Precisely at a time of increasing polarisation, disinformation and declining trust in institutions, it is important to invest in reliable information, active citizen participation and dialogue.

Democracy Forward brings together people from different sectors and backgrounds around a single central ambition: to reflect on the future of our democracy and learn from initiatives that are already making a difference today.

During the day: Inspiration Festival at the BELvue museum

During the day, the BELvue Museum provides the setting for an inspirational festival that brings together a broad democratic community. Fund’s laureates, organisations, thinkers and initiators meet here. They share inspiring practical examples, exchange experiences and explore new responses to the challenges of our time. The festival provides a space for meeting people, finding inspiration and forging new collaborations.

In interactive discussions, participants engage in dialogue on current democratic challenges, such as:

• How do we re-engage young people in public debate?
• How do we strengthen trust in information and the media?
• How do we ensure that less-heard voices are also given a place?
• What role do our cities, neighbourhoods and public spaces play in democratic life?
• What might a democracy ready for 2035 look like?

Participation is free, but places are limited to 80. We ask that you only register if the programme is relevant to your professional work or involvement. For more information and to register, please see this document.

Evening: Debate and reflection at Bozar

In the evening, the programme moves to Bozar for a series of discussions and talks featuring Belgian and international thinkers, journalists and opinion leaders. Two major themes will be central to these discussions.

1. The future of independent media and reliable information in an age of algorithms, economic pressures and disinformation.
2. The question of how democracy can continue to renew itself and adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.

A special edition: KBF50

This edition also takes on special significance in the context of KBF50, the 50th anniversary of the King Baudouin Foundation. For half a century, the Foundation has been committed to a stronger, fairer and more connected society. Democracy Forward fits seamlessly into this as a place where ideas, experiences and commitment come together.

Space for imagination

Democracy Forward does not aim to provide ready-made answers, but to create a space for encounter, exchange and imagination. After all, democracy thrives not only in parliaments and institutions, but also in newsrooms, schools, associations, neighbourhoods, cultural institutions and public spaces. It requires engaged citizens, reliable information and a willingness to reflect together on the society in which we wish to live.

At a time when Brussels is preparing for its role as European Capital of Democracy in 2027, this day serves as an invitation to explore together what kind of democracy we want to build for tomorrow.

‍

‍