LAMPA 2023: How to promote democratic participation?

There are different views on the resilience of democracy in today´s society. Some would say that democratic values are threatened by technological shifts, populistic tendencies, and a widespread decrease in trust for democratic processes. Others would argue that, on the contrary, the demand for democratic rights is increasing in many parts of the world and that democracy is fully capable of withstanding authoritarian threats. Most would probably agree, however, that democracy needs to develop in order to remain relevant.  

While democratic ideals and frameworks are still considered to be valid by most people, the ways of people’s engagement in democratic processes need to adapt to the 21st century.  

The panel will discuss how we can promote democratic engagement and participation, especially among youth and other groups that do not always view democracy as a given.  

Language: English.

The event will be livestreamed.

• Kai Alhanen, philosopher, author of the book “Dialogue in Democracy” and developer of the Timeout model (Finland) 
• Max Valentin, consultant, and developer of democracy games (Sweden) 
• Solveiga Moldrheim, head of education at Rafto Foundation for Human Rights (Norway) 
• Imants Breidaks, CEO of the direct democracy initiative manabalss.lv (Latvia) 

Moderator: Ieva Morica, Executive Director of DOTS and Director of LAMPA festival.