Discover the Global Democracy Coalition Regional Forums 2026: Join the Conversation on the Future of Democracy

 In 2026, the Global Democracy Coalition is creating space for those closest to these challenges to shape what comes next, by convening its 2026 GDC Regional Forums to bring together democracy advocates, youth leaders, civil society actors, policymakers, and innovators across four regions to turn shared challenges into collective action.

Building on the Coalition’s ongoing work of fostering dialogue and collaboration since 2021, the 2026 Forums will take place across Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe, offering a unique platform to explore pressing democratic challenges, exchange insights, and inspire action. This year’s forums are organized as part of a two-phase approach, starting with four dedicated “regional months” in the spring, followed by a Global Forum in the fall. Each regional month features two interactive webinars, one podcast episode within Season 4 of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, a month-long communications campaign, and a hybrid forum, designed to highlight local solutions while connecting them to global democratic conversations. Whether you join virtually or in person, there are multiple ways to participate, learn, and contribute.

GDC Africa Forum - Nairobi, March 26

Co-hosted with Nuru Trust Network and Youth for SDGs Kenya, this forum will focus on “Reclaiming the Democratic Promise – Youth Agency, Digital Resilience, and Combating Kleptocracy” Participants will explore how young people and civic actors use digital tools and grassroots initiatives to expose corruption, defend accountability, and rebuild public trust, even amid restrictive civic environments and election-related challenges.

As part of the Africa Regional Month, the Coalition will host two pre-Forum webinars that set the agenda for deeper regional dialogue. The first, Elections, Youth Participation, and Democratic Accountability, examines elections as moments of heightened democratic risk, highlighting how African youth act as frontline defenders against digital repression, civic space closures, and accountability gaps during electoral periods. The second webinar, Democratic Disruptions, Civic Movements, and Digital Democracy, explores how youth-led civic movements and digital activism are reshaping participation across Africa, while grappling with surveillance, disinformation, and the evolving power dynamics of digital platforms. 

GDC Americas Forum - Asuncion, April 23 and 24

Co-hosted by Alma Civica, this forum will emphasize “Democratic Resilience from the Ground Up” This dialogue will shine a light on community-driven democratic renewal, local innovation, and civic participation, showcasing how grassroots actors and youth movements are shaping inclusive governance while responding to polarization, disinformation, and socio-economic exclusion.

GDC Europe Forum - Prague, May 19

Co-hosted with the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN), this forum will examine “Defending Democracy in the Age of AI: Protecting Electoral Integrity” With a dense cycle of European elections approaching, participants will assess the threats posed by AI-driven disinformation, synthetic media, and cross-border interference, and collaboratively develop actionable strategies to safeguard electoral processes, reinforce public trust, and strengthen youth engagement in democratic protection.

GDC Asia Forum - Seoul, June 11 

Co-hosted by Asia Centre, this forum will focus on “Navigating Democratic Transitions: Emerging Gaps & Opportunities” offering critical insights into post-authoritarian transitions, youth-led mobilization, and civic engagement, highlighting lessons from regional experiences where democratic openings are often fragile and contested.

Across all regions, the Forums will not only generate insights, policy recommendations, and innovative practices, but also connect local realities to the global democracy agenda. A cross-regional panel will ensure coherence, allowing insights from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe to feed into the 2026 Global Forum and broader international discussions.

Whether you are a seasoned democracy advocate, a young civic leader, or simply passionate about supporting democratic values, the GDC Regional Forums 2026 offer an unmissable opportunity to learn, collaborate, and take action. Registration details and livestream links will be announced soon, don’t miss your chance to be part of a global conversation shaping democracy for the decade ahead.

For more information about the 2026 GDC Forums, visit the GDC’s Forum 2026 webpage or follow their social media channels (LinkedIn, X, and Instagram) for updates.

The GDC Regional Forums 2026 are sponsored by the Charles F. Kettering Foundation.