High-Level Dialogue of the Global Commission of Democracy and Multilateralism: 'From Recommendations to Implementation: Advancing Democracy through Multilateral Cooperation'
The Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism, convened by Club de Madrid together with International IDEA, the Open Government Partnership and the European Democracy Hub, in partnership with Switzerland, the Ford Foundation and Bosch Foundation, brings together former Heads of State and Government, senior international leaders and democracy experts to propose ways to support the multilateral system’s capacity to strengthen democracy, at a time of unparalleled threats to both democracy and multilateralism.
During UNGA High-Level Week 2026, the Commission will launch its final report and present a focused set of recommendations for discussion. This high-level dialogue will bring together Commissioners, UN Member States and key stakeholders of the multilateral system to discuss the recommendations, assess their political feasibility and identify pathways for implementation. The embargoed report will be shared with participants ahead of the meeting in early September.
AGENDA
By Invitation Only
15:00 Introduction and Moderation of Event
Martin Abregu, Global Commission Member and Vice President of International Programs, Ford Foundation
15:05 Opening Remarks
Ambassador Paul Garnier, Head of UN Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland
15:10-15:30 Presentation of Global Commission report
- George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011) , Member of Club de Madrid, former and Chair of the Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism
- Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of International IDEA and Vice-Chair of the Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism
-
Aminata Touré, Prime Minister of Senegal (2013–2014), Member of Club de Madrid and Vice-Chair of the Global Commission on Democracy and Multilateralism
15:30-16:15 Panel Discussion
- Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile (2006–2010; 2014–2018) and Member of Club de Madrid (TBC)
- Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007–2010), Member of Club de Madrid (TBC)
- Laura Chinchilla, President of Costa Rica (2010-2014) and President of Club de Madrid
- Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana (2018–2024) and Member of Club de Madrid
- Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden (2014–2021) and Member of Club de Madrid
- Aidan Eyakuze, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Open Government Partnership (OGP)
16:15-16:55 High-Level Dialogue: Political Feasibility and Implementation Pathways
Q&A and moderated exchange between Commissioners, Member States and key stakeholders on selected recommendations from the final report
16:55-17:00 Closing Remarks
17:00-18:00 Reception
