WORLD FORUM FOR DEMOCRACY 2013

A decline in democratic participation is often viewed as a symptom of a detachment between citizens and institutions. Social media and social networks enable individuals to exchange, plan, act and interact with politicians and activists outside institutional systems. The Council of Europe is in a unique position to bring together elected politicians and civil society leaders to discuss the impact of this technological change on established democratic structures and institutions. The Forum will look into the opportunities and risks of a number of participatory initiatives and test their solidity and longevity in an open debate with elected politicians. The conclusions of the Forum should help to better identify the challenges faced by democratic institutions, political parties and leaders, and to recommend action that might need to be taken at various levels to enhance the benefits of digital participation platforms and limit the risks their use may entail.

For more information visit: http://www.coe.int/en/web/world-forum-democracy/home;jsessionid=F4C2EAF…