International Democracy Day Brussels 2026: Innovation and Alliances in a Changing World
The twelfth edition of the 2026 International Democracy Day Brussels Conference (IDD Brussels) will take place on 17 September 2026. Marking the UN International Day of Democracy, the IDD Brussels conference brings together global thought leaders, organisations and decision-makers in Brussels for high-level discussions on defending democracy and building more resilient democratic societies.
This year's theme "What's Next For Democracy? Innovation And Alliances In A Changing World" explores how democracy can adapt and remain resilient in a dynamic world, exploring new partnerships and approaches to democracy support. Different discussions throughout the day highlight the challenges of disinformation and foreign interference, the potential of democratic innovation and the growing role of grassroots actors in shaping political participation and leadership.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA
- Fernando Sampedro Marcos, State Secretary for the European Union, Spanish Council of Ministers
- Luke Feeney, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the Political and Security Committee
- Martin Seychell, Deputy Director General, DG INTPA, European Commission
- Věra Jourová, Chair of Democracy27 Task Force
- Jose Antonio Moreno Díaz, President of the EESC Fundamental Rights and Rule of Law Group
- Ola Myrovych, Head of Lviv Media Forum
- Barbara Smith, Vice President for Peace Programs at The Carter Center
- Anu Juvonen, EPD Network President and Executive Director of Demo Finland
- Tosin Ajayi, Executive Director of Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV)
- Chiara Grigolo, Associate Programme Officer (WYDE), International IDEA
9:20 – 10:15 | Democracy as a Strategic Enabler: Building Alliances and Inclusive Investment in a New World Order
As the rules‑based international system comes under growing strain, the EU and other democracies are rethinking how to operate in a contested global order where democratic governance is both a value and a strategic interest. This session highlights the role of the business sector, recognising the rule of law and accountable governance as foundations for safer investment and growth. Bringing together policymakers, democracy actors and business leaders from across regions, the discussion explores how democracy can act as the connective tissue between values‑based partnerships and safer business environments.
Speakers:
- Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General, International IDEA (Moderator)
- Fernando Sampedro Marcos, State Secretary for the European Union, Spanish Council of Ministers
- Martin Seychell, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships, European Commission
- Charlotte Andersdotter, International Director and Head of EU Office, Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (TBC)
15:55 – 16:45 | WYDE Initiative: Rethinking Leadership from the Ground Up
Across regions, grassroots actors are reshaping how leadership, political participation, and representation take place. Yet, democracy support systems often struggle to keep pace with these evolving dynamics. This session creates a space to listen directly to grassroots perspectives and explore what the democracy support community needs to better understand, adapt and rethink.
The format will center on listening and learning from long-standing grassroots practitioners, focusing on bottom-up insights and how the democracy support ecosystem can learn from realities on the ground.
Speakers:
- Chiara Grigolo, Associate Programme Officer (WYDE), International IDEA (Moderator)
- Emmy Otim, Regional Manager East Africa, KIC Sweden
- Tosin Ajayi, Executive Director of Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative
Camila Gil, Member of the Youth Peacebuilders Network, the Community Advisory Board on Digital Rights in Colombia, and CIVIX Colombia
For more information and the full agenda, visit www.idd-brussels.eu
Since 2015, the event has been organised by a consortium of democracy organisations and think tanks including International IDEA, the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), the European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and Carnegie Europe.
Each year, the conference brings together diverse perspectives and experiences to reflect on the trends, challenges and innovations shaping democracy in Europe and around the world. IDD Brussels continues to provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase success stories, and inspire collective action to defend and advance democratic principles.
These discussions are particularly timely in 2026, as International IDEA’s Renewing Democracy campaign focuses on three pillars of democratic resilience and renewal: trust, innovation and diversity. At a time of growing pressures on democracy, the campaign highlights the need to strengthen and renew democratic systems through reform, innovation and fresh thinking.
