Reinforcing Democracy Initiative - 2024 Global Forum OECD

Democracies are facing unprecedented internal and external pressures. Political polarisation, geopolitical tensions, public health and economic crises, and growing foreign influence in democratic processes – all exacerbated by misinformation and disinformation – have strained citizens' trust in public institutions. In response, many governments are working to reinforce and safeguard democratic values and processes.

Trust in public institutions is the foundation of the five key areas of the OECD Reinforcing Democracy Initiative:

• Pillar 1 - Combating mis- and disinformation 
• Pillar 2 - Strengthening representation, participation and openness in public life 
• Pillar 3 - Embracing the global responsibilities of governments and building resilience to foreign influence 
• Pillar 4 - Gearing up government to deliver on climate and other environmental challenges 
• Pillar 5 - Transforming public governance for digital democracy

The second edition of the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Reinforcing Democracy was held on October 21-22 at the Palazzo Lombardia in Milan, Italy. This biennial event focused on a practical agenda aimed at rebuilding trust in public institutions and addressed key governance challenges facing democracies.

Global participants exchanged fresh ideas, insights, and evidence under the theme, "Breaking New Ground for the Future of Democracy: Dignity – Security – Trust." Discussions also explored how both new and established democracies can learn from each other in addressing complex global issues, as well as the crucial reforms and innovations needed to ensure the ongoing resilience of democratic systems.

💻 Click on the website above to watch the recording of the opening and find out more.