IDD Brussels Conference 2025 "A World Turned Upside Down: Democracy and Inclusion in an Age of Insecurity"

18-19 September 2025

The 2025 edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels Conference, IDD Brussels) will gather prominent organizations and thought leaders to explore the intersection of democratic values, security, inclusion, and global influence - a pressing challenge for Europe and its international partnerships. 

As the conference marks its eleventh edition, it will serve as a key platform for high-level discussions on Europe’s democracy agenda, focusing on how inclusive democracy is essential to ensuring the European Union’s security, stability, prosperity, global partnerships, and international influence. 

Venue

This year's edition will take place at two venues in Brussels: On 18 September, it will be held at the Renaissance Hotel (Rue du Parnasse 19), and on 19 September, it will be held at the European Economic and Social Committee, Bâtiment Jacques Delors (Rue Belliard 99–101).

Objectives

The conference aims to:

• Demonstrate how fundamental rights and civic participation, respect for human rights, and accountable governance are key to security and defending Europe’s way of life in a disruptive global context.
• Illustrate the EU's pivotal role in promoting inclusive democracies both internally and externally.
• Share insights, data and arguments to help democracy defenders and stakeholders enhance their impact. 

Central theme

This conference takes place at a critical time for world democracy. The power shifts and the emergence of a new world order, based on use of force rather than the rule of law is intensifying the geopolitical competition between democracies and authoritarian regimes. The connection between democracy and long-term security has never been clearer. 

Democracy needs to be embedded in all EU policies as it is a condition and an enabler for the EU agenda: security, migration, economic development, climate change. To safeguard the European Union’s future, we must protect our own democracy and uphold universal values, one of the priorities of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's mandate for 2024-2029. Protecting our democracies in Europe and advancing the democracy agenda globally is a strategic necessity for the EU long-term stability, prosperity and influence. 

At a time when public trust in democracy is eroding, global challenges mount and foreign aid budgets have been slashed, efforts to support democracy and open governance are the only way to back against autocratisation. Citizens worldwide need to have a voice and a stake in their shared futures. We must show them solidarity as we work to maintain their trust in international partnership and democratic values.

The European Union has been a staunch advocate of democratic inclusion both within its borders and in its external relations. Initiatives like WYDE (Women and Youth Democratic Engagement) exemplify the EU's commitment to fostering inclusivity. WYDE aims to amplify the voices of young people and women in democratic processes, addressing the myriad legal, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder their participation. The conference will explore how inclusion strengthens democracy and contributes to peace and security.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), European Endowment for Democracy (EED),European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), and Carnegie Europe are proud to invite you to the 2025 edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels.