06/11/2024 President
“Do not give up, do not compromise, do not surrender. These are the weapons with which democratic citizens must fight against all kinds of authoritarianism, against all kinds of populism,” today said PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos at the opening of the 12th World Forum for Democracy, which is taking place in Strasbourg from 6 to 8 November 2024 under the theme "Democracy and Diversity - Can we transcend the divides?".
“Some of you will claim that citizens have the right to know the truth. I agree. But allow me to say that people also have the obligation to be more responsible. They must read a lot to be better informed, not to be seduced by easy, hawkish politics. Active and not passive citizens are the oxygen of democracy,” he added.
“You have come here not just to participate in a platform for theoretical debate but to find ways to put into practice a vision of a more democratic world, a world of diversity, a participatory democracy. I invite you to find ways in which democracy protects its citizens and itself from those who exploit it for personal gain. I invite you to remember that being involved in the public sphere is not a profession but a mission”, Mr Rousopoulos stressed.
The World Forum for Democracy brings together intellectuals, politicians, campaigners, experts and young people from across the world to discuss the issue of diversity and how to transcend divides. The 2024 Forum will address the major threats posed by disinformation and divisive political messages relating to diversity, including in the context of election campaigns.