Ongoing, Open for Funding

Multilateralism & Democracy Roundtables

Building an evidence-based understanding of the links between multilateralism and democracy

The Kofi Annan Foundation and Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy are organising a series of discussions to examine the role of democratic principles, processes, and practices in responding to emerging global challenges.

Multilateral action and international cooperation and dialogue are hampered by growing polarization, assertive nationalist agendas, and strong ideological divides, which are particularly marked around issues of democracy. How do we address the fraying link between democracy and the multilateral system, and how do answers to this question vary according to the global challenges at stake?

“I remain a committed believer in the value of democracy as a catalyst for better governance, greater security, and human development.”

Kofi Annan

The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy and the Kofi Annan Foundation are collaborating on a two-year project to further a common understanding of how democratic, ethical and inclusive leadership is essential to solving global challenges.

The project includes a series of expert thematic roundtables organised in liaison with multilateral actors on the role of democracy in responding to issues of global concern.

“…climate change is a global and all-encompassing threat to life, to our water and food supplies, to our health, security, prosperity and stability.”

Kofi Annan

Topics

Our two-year project seeks to further a common understanding of how democratic, ethical, and inclusive leadership is essential to solving global challenges.

In April 2024, we launched our first roundtable on Democracy & Climate.

Many of the roundtable discussions will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, taking advantage of the city being home to 40 international organisations to convene subject matter experts and build bridges based on research and dialogue. Other discussions will be held in multilateral hubs such as New York, Vienna, Nairobi, or Brussels.

Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi and Hannah Moosa at the ChangeNOW summit 2023 on 25 May in Paris

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