Fully-funded World Forum for Democracy 2025- Call for Innovative Initiatives: Open to Both Public & Private Organizations from Any Country

World Forum for Democracy 2025: Call for Innovative Initiatives to Strengthen Democracy and Foster Sustainable Peace
The World Forum for Democracy 2025 is extending an open call for expressions of interest from innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing democracy and contributing to the pursuit of sustainable peace. This global gathering, organized by the Council of Europe, seeks to bring together organizations, institutions, and individuals from around the world who are engaged in initiatives that can positively impact democratic practices and create lasting peace across nations.
The forum will be hosted in Strasbourg, France, and provides a unique platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking among leaders, policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, and activists committed to strengthening democratic governance worldwide.
Who Can Apply?
The call for initiatives is open to both public and private organizations from any country, including governmental bodies, NGOs, international institutions, and even community-based organizations that are implementing innovative projects or strategies that aim to promote democratic values and sustainable peace.
The World Forum for Democracy encourages initiatives that present fresh, creative approaches to tackling current and emerging challenges in democratic societies. Whether it involves advocating for more inclusive participation, fostering political accountability, or addressing the root causes of conflict, all proposals are welcome as long as they contribute to the broader objectives of democracy and peace.
What is Expected from the Submitted Initiatives?
Organizations interested in participating in the World Forum for Democracy 2025 are invited to submit their proposals by completing a detailed questionnaire provided in the official submission appendix. This questionnaire is designed to collect essential information about the proposed initiative, including its goals, objectives, target audience, and impact. It is important that applicants demonstrate how their initiatives specifically contribute to democracy enhancement and peacebuilding efforts in their respective contexts.
The selection process will prioritize initiatives that:
- Demonstrate innovative approaches to enhancing democratic practices.
- Promote sustainable peace through conflict prevention or resolution.
- Encourage active participation of marginalized or underserved communities.
- Address contemporary challenges to democracy, including disinformation, political polarization, and democratic backsliding.
- Utilize digital tools or platforms to promote democratic engagement and citizen participation.
- Create long-term impacts that can be replicated or scaled in other contexts.
The deadline for submitting the initiative proposals is 17 May 2025. This provides ample time for organizations worldwide to refine their applications and present well-structured projects that align with the Forum’s core themes.
Benefits for Selected Initiatives
For organizations whose initiatives are selected, there is a prestigious opportunity to participate directly in the World Forum for Democracy 2025. One representative from each of the selected initiatives will be invited to Strasbourg, France, to present their work in front of a global audience. This exposure can significantly enhance the visibility of the initiative and attract new collaborators, supporters, and potential funders.
Additionally, the Council of Europe will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the selected presenters, ensuring that the forum is accessible to all eligible organizations, regardless of their geographic location. This generous support makes it easier for organizations from all over the world to participate, fostering a truly global conversation on democracy and peace.
The World Forum for Democracy is not only an opportunity to showcase one’s work but also a platform for networking with a diverse group of professionals, experts, and activists who share the common goal of promoting democracy and peace. Presenters will have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions, share lessons learned, and collaborate with other organizations to amplify their impact.
The Role of the World Forum for Democracy
The World Forum for Democracy is an annual event that has become an essential space for reflecting on the state of democracy worldwide and exploring innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. It brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society leaders, academics, media professionals, and youth activists. The forum facilitates a global exchange of ideas and experiences, encouraging participants to think critically about the future of democracy and explore practical ways to overcome obstacles to its advancement.
The 2025 forum will continue this tradition of fostering collaboration among diverse actors, with a focus on addressing critical issues that are shaping the future of democratic governance. Topics such as digital democracy, human rights, political participation, and the role of civil society in strengthening democratic institutions will be central to the discussions.
Call to Action
The World Forum for Democracy 2025 presents a unique opportunity for organizations worldwide to showcase their innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing democracy and promoting sustainable peace.
Organizations are encouraged to act quickly, as the deadline for submitting initiatives is 17 May 2025. This is a chance to make a significant contribution to the ongoing global effort to strengthen democracy and foster peace across nations.



