Democracy International

Democracy International We are the global coalition for democracy. More info and imprint at www.democracy-international.org

We believe that every citizen has the right, the capacity, and the responsibility to shape the society they live in. Guided by this principle, Democracy International works for a world in which people hold direct political power. We promote direct and participatory democracy - tools that return us to the core of what democracy means: a discussion on the issues that matter to us in order to find so

lutions that work for everyone. When citizens take ownership of the democratic process, they build mutual trust and shared responsibility. This leads to more inclusive, thoughtful, and legitimate decisions, and ultimately, more accountable governance. To bring this vision to life, we:
- Collect and share evidence of what works today
- Connect those working on it to inspire collective action
- Strengthen capacity for change
- Build an inclusive democracy for tomorrow
- Work on improving democratic infrastructure beyond borders

Democracy International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that was formally established in June 2011 as a registered membership association according to German non-profit law (eingetragener Verein e.V.). Before, Democracy International had existed as a loose network of democracy activists since 2002. Democracy International is an independent membership organisation, funded by member fees and individual donations.

🇧🇼 Why Botswana is the right home for the Global Forum in 2026Botswana’s democratic journey offers important lessons fro...
20/08/2026

🇧🇼 Why Botswana is the right home for the Global Forum in 2026

Botswana’s democratic journey offers important lessons from a long history of regular elections to the historic 2024 peaceful transfer of power after 58 years of one-party rule.

Now, Botswana is becoming a meeting point for the global democratic community. 🌍

From 7–10 October 2026, Gaborone will host the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, bringing together citizens, activists, researchers, practitioners and policymakers from around the world to exchange ideas and explore the future of democratic participation.

And what can its democratic experience teach us?

Read our latest article by Tshepaone Gabriel Tshekiso, “A Beacon in the South: Why Botswana is the Right Home for the 2026 Global Forum,” to discover more about Botswana’s democratic journey, its traditions of participation, and why it is the perfect setting for this global conversation.

👉 Read the full article via the link in our bio.

And join us in Gaborone this October!

📍 Gaborone, Botswana

📅 7–10 October 2026

🌍 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy

Indigenous. Resilient. Empowering.

Kinda chic to make democracy feel like something you do every day — not just something you vote for every 4 years. ✨That...
20/08/2026

Kinda chic to make democracy feel like something you do every day — not just something you vote for every 4 years. ✨

That’s the kind of democracy we’re here for.

Let's address some Myths about Direct DemocracyWhat does direct democracy look like around the world today? And can citi...
15/08/2026

Let's address some Myths about Direct Democracy

What does direct democracy look like around the world today? And can citizens really have a direct say in political decision-making?

The Global State of Direct Democracy Report 2026 explores these questions, addresses myths about Direct Democracy through a global overview of direct democratic institutions, and focuses on local direct democracy in Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. It also examines major popular votes from 2024–2025, the latest scientific evidence, and key developments to watch in 2026.

📖 Dive into the research, explore the evidence, and discover how direct democracy is shaping participation around the world.

🔗 Read the full report — link in bio!

https://www.democracy-international.org/publications/global-state-direct-democracy-report-2026

🌍✨ DEMOCRACY CAMP 2026 IS CALLING! 🇪🇺What if YOU could help shape the future of democracy in Europe? 👀From 14–18 October...
14/08/2026

🌍✨ DEMOCRACY CAMP 2026 IS CALLING! 🇪🇺

What if YOU could help shape the future of democracy in Europe? 👀

From 14–18 October 2026, 60 young people from across the EU will come together in Vic, Spain 🇪🇸 for five days of ideas, conversations, workshops, games, culture and a whole lot of democracy! 🗣️

🎯 Explore youth participation
🌈 Talk rights, inclusion & diversity
📢 Learn how to turn ideas into action
🤝 Meet young people from across Europe
🏛️ Visit the Catalan Parliament in Barcelona
📖 Help create the Youth Participation Handbook 2026

And the best part? Participation is FREE! 🎉 Travel support, accommodation and meals are covered.

Now people from all over the EU can apply and join, so if you're 16–26, live in the EU and want to make your voice count, this is your sign. This is the last chance to join for 2026!

📅 14–18 October 2026
📍 Vic, Spain
⏳ Applications close: 13 September 2026

Tag someone who NEEDS to be at Democracy Camp! 👇🏽🔥
LINK FOUND IN OUR BIO

This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Young people don’t just talk about democracy — they make it happen. 💙They organise, create communities, build movements ...
13/08/2026

Young people don’t just talk about democracy — they make it happen. 💙

They organise, create communities, build movements and speak up. But meaningful participation also needs a space to connect, exchange ideas, challenge each other and turn those ideas into action.

That’s what Democracy Camp is about. 🌍

For four years, we’ve brought together young people from different countries and backgrounds to meet, learn from each other and build connections that go beyond the Camp.

4 years. 400+ young people. One growing community.

And now, the community is getting ready for its next meet-up…

Bulgaria, here we come!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Meet the partners behind Democracy Camp 2026 🤝🌍Democracy Camp is made possible through collaboration, shared values, and...
10/08/2026

Meet the partners behind Democracy Camp 2026 🤝🌍

Democracy Camp is made possible through collaboration, shared values, and the dedication of incredible partner organisations from across Europe. Together, we're creating a space where young people can connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen democracy through learning, dialogue, and action.

Each of our partners brings unique expertise, perspectives, and energy to the Camp. From shaping the programme to supporting participants and delivering inspiring sessions, their contributions are at the heart of making Democracy Camp a meaningful experience.

Swipe through to meet the organisations helping turn this vision into reality.

This project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The campaign may end but the participation continues..Take the European Citizens' Initiative: collecting one million sig...
06/08/2026

The campaign may end but the participation continues..

Take the European Citizens' Initiative: collecting one million signatures is a major milestone. But it does not automatically change EU law. Instead, it marks the beginning of the next stage of the campaigning process, in which organisers engage with EU institutions and continue to advocate for their proposal.

The Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe Without Animal Testing campaign shows that meaningful change takes time.
After collecting more than 1.2 million valid signatures, organisers continued working with EU institutions.

What helped keep the initiative moving forward?

Read the full article on the ECI Forum to learn what happens after one million signatures and discover practical insights for current and future ECI organisers.

06/08/2026

If there were a Netflix documentary about Democracy Camp 2026 in Germany, it would be about young people shaping their future. 🎬

60 changemakers from across Europe came together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore how young people can shape democracy through dialogue, collaboration, and action.

The conversations didn't end when the camp ended. Participants are now co-creating the 2026 edition of the Youth Participation Handbook — a practical guide that will help more young people discover the tools to participate, raise their voices, and make an impact in their communities.

Because the future of democracy is young, and every voice matters. 💬🌍🚀

Good news from European Citizens’ Initiative campaigns: their impact is continuing.From progress towards phasing out ani...
23/07/2026

Good news from European Citizens’ Initiative campaigns: their impact is continuing.

From progress towards phasing out animal testing and stronger shark-trade monitoring to action against conversion practices and growing consumer-rights pressure in the gaming industry, these campaigns show what sustained citizen action can achieve.

Change takes time, but persistence can turn public demands into real progress

22/07/2026

What does meaningful participation in climate action look like in practice?

Mubarak Masae shares an example from Bolivia, where decisions around lithium and other natural resources are closely linked to public benefit and the protection of Indigenous history, language and heritage.

Through Citizens for Climate, we explore experiences from different countries and how participatory approaches can give people a meaningful role in shaping climate decisions.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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