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.

10/06/2026

Since June 2011, Democracy International has been working to strengthen democracy through citizen participation, democratic innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

Over the past 15 years, we've shared ideas, launched campaigns, organised events, built partnerships, and connected with people who believe that democracy works best when everyone has a voice.

A look back at some of the moments that have shaped our journey so far.

How healthy is civic space in Europe?The Civic Space Report 2026 identifies eight key trends shaping civic space across ...
09/06/2026

How healthy is civic space in Europe?

The Civic Space Report 2026 identifies eight key trends shaping civic space across Europe in 2025. From attacks on NGOs and restrictions on advocacy to increasing surveillance, the criminalisation of solidarity, and limits on protest rights, the report highlights the challenges civil society is facing across the continent.

At the same time, it highlights the resilience of civic actors who continue to organise, advocate, and defend democratic participation despite growing pressure.

📖 Read the full report via the link in our bio.

Climate action starts with You 🌍Join the Bonn Climate Camp on 15 June for an interactive workshop exploring how communit...
09/06/2026

Climate action starts with You 🌍

Join the Bonn Climate Camp on 15 June for an interactive workshop exploring how communities across Latin America are using direct democracy to protect their environment, defend their livelihoods, and create lasting change.🗣

Hear inspiring stories, connect with fellow changemakers, and discover how community-led action is shaping a more sustainable future.💪

📍https://maps.app.goo.gl/WBKP8PmZd6Xx6KHK6 Tent 3

🎟️ Free entry | No registration required



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Klimaschutz beginnt mit Dir! 🌍

Komm am 15. Juni zum Bonn Climate Camp und nimm an unseren interaktiven Workshops teil.

Lerne, wie Gemeinden in ganz Lateinamerika durch direkte Demokratie ihre Umwelt schützen, ihre Lebensgrundlagen sichern und nachhaltigen Wandel vorantreiben. 🗣

Höre dir inspirierende Geschichten an, vernetze dich mit Gleichgesinnten und entdecke, wie gemeinschaftliches Handeln eine nachhaltige Zukunft gestaltet.💪

📍Zelt 3

Freier Eintritt / Keine Registrierung nötig

07/06/2026

“It gives the willingness to try things and be more active.”

After viewing People.Power.Planet, Assistant Professor of Global Governance Clara Egger reflects on how the documentary showcases the power of citizen action and democratic participation.

Through the stories of activists across Latin America, the film highlights how people can drive change in their communities. It dives into using democratic tools to tackle some of today's most pressing challenges: to defend environmental and indigenous rights.

🎬 Watch Life as an Activist and discover how democracy delivers through citizen engagement.



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„Es weckt den Wunsch, Dinge auszuprobieren und aktiver zu werden.“

Nach dem Ansehen von People.Power.Planet reflektiert Clara Egger, Assistant Professor of Global Governance, darüber, wie die Dokumentation die Kraft von bürgerschaftlichem Engagement und demokratischer Teilhabe verdeutlicht.

Anhand der Geschichten von Aktivist:innen aus ganz Lateinamerika zeigt der Film, wie Menschen in ihren Gemeinschaften Veränderungen anstoßen können. Er beleuchtet den Einsatz demokratischer Instrumente, um einige der drängendsten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit anzugehen: den Schutz von Umweltrechten und den Rechten indigener Gemeinschaften.

🎬 Schauen Sie sich Life as an Activist an und entdecken Sie, wie Demokratie durch das Engagement von Bürger:innen Wirkung entfaltet.

Meet the Speakers joining our Democracy Camp!Get ready to explore the power of citizen participation through our worksho...
05/06/2026

Meet the Speakers joining our Democracy Camp!

Get ready to explore the power of citizen participation through our workshops: Direct Democracy 101 and the European Citizens Initiative (ECI). 🇪🇺

Our speakers will share practical knowledge, real-world insights and tools to help you understand how people can shape decisions and create change together.



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.

🌍🌱 Climate action works best when people are part of the process, not just the outcome.Join the Rethinking Economy and D...
05/06/2026

🌍🌱 Climate action works best when people are part of the process, not just the outcome.

Join the Rethinking Economy and Democracy Pop-Up Event hosted by Nyt Europa, as you will explore how those who are most affected by climate change can have a real voice in shaping the solutions. The event will bridge the gap between citizens and decision makers and unify them when it comes to finding solutions and taking action. 🤝

Join to see how we, active citizens, can drive a just climate transition with the help of democratic innovations👣

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.

What does it take to build a successful European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI)?For Salvatore Ricci, a Brussels-based activi...
03/06/2026

What does it take to build a successful European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI)?

For Salvatore Ricci, a Brussels-based activist and organiser of the ECI "Stop Funding Russia’s War", it began with identifying a concrete problem and supporting it with evidence.

The campaign argues that billions of euros continue to flow to Russia through imports that could potentially be sourced elsewhere. But as Ricci explains, evidence alone is not enough. Successful initiatives also require a clear legal basis, a compelling campaign message, and the ability to build on existing political momentum.

Through this case, future ECI organisers can learn valuable lessons about how citizen-led campaigns are developed, communicated, and brought to the European stage.

👉 Swipe through to discover the key lessons behind the initiative and learn how citizens can use the ECI to shape political debate in the European Union.

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.

Only 5 days left to submit your proposal for the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼Re...
03/06/2026

Only 5 days left to submit your proposal for the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼

Registration is now open for the Forum, which will bring together participants from around the world for four days of dialogue, exchange, and collaboration on the future of democracy.

Indigenous. Resilient. Empowering.

📅 7–10 October 2026

We welcome proposals on:
• Democratic innovation
• Constitutional reform
• Youth participation
• Climate & democracy
• Grassroots participation
• Regional cooperation

As the world’s largest gathering devoted to direct democracy and citizen participation, the Forum offers a space to exchange ideas, experiences, and democratic practices from across the globe.

🗓 Call for Proposals deadline: 8 June 2026

🔗 Registration:
https://www.democracy.community/Registration_2026_GFMDD

📩 Call for Proposal Submission:
https://www.democracy.community/forms/submit-session-2026-global-forum-modern-direct-democracy

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

📢 The deadline for proposal submissions for the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2026 has been extended to 8 June...
01/06/2026

📢 The deadline for proposal submissions for the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2026 has been extended to 8 June 2026!

Indigenous. Resilient. Empowering.

Join participants from around the world for four days of dialogue, exchange, and collaboration on the future of democracy.

📍 Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼
📅 7–10 October 2026

We welcome proposals on:
🔹 Democratic innovation
🔹 Constitutional reform
🔹 Youth participation
🔹 Climate & democracy
🔹 Grassroots participation
🔹 Regional cooperation

As the world’s largest gathering dedicated to direct democracy and citizen participation, the Forum provides a unique opportunity to share ideas, experiences, and democratic practices from across the globe.

🗓 New Call for Proposals deadline: 8 June 2026

🔗 Register here:
https://www.democracy.community/Registration_2026_GFMDD

📩 Submit your proposal:
https://www.democracy.community/forms/submit-session-2026-global-forum-modern-direct-democracy

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Adresse

Gürzenichstraße 21 A-c
Cologne
50667

Öffnungszeiten

Montag 10:00 - 17:00
Dienstag 10:00 - 17:00
Mittwoch 10:00 - 17:00
Donnerstag 10:00 - 17:00
Freitag 10:00 - 17:00

Telefon

+492216696650

Benachrichtigungen

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