GBWN at the World Forum for Democracy, Strasbourg 6-8 November 2023
Our Regional Director joined the discussions at the World Forum for Democracy / Forum mondial de la Démocratie, hosted by the Council of Europe, as they explore the theme of “𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 = 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞?”, which took place in Strasbourg from 6 to 8 November 2023.
Have you ever thought about innovative ways to bridge the gap between bureaucratic language and the general public to enhance government accountability?
During the second day of the World Forum for Democracy / Forum mondial de la Démocratie, Marija Risteska, the regional director of the Gender Budget Watchdog Network, introduced our network at LAB 10: Transparency and Accountability, as an initiative that is focused on holding governments accountable for gender-related budget spending. We are proud that our Network was selected to be presented at the World Forum for Democracy 2023 and had a chance compete for the 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝. Our efforts are getting recognized globally!
On the third day we’re attending closing remarks from the forum rapporteurs, who have emphasized the importance of 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 and we heard important messages that resonate with our work as well:
- “Education for the sense of citizenship and active participation is crucial.” Xavier Romero Vidal, Research Associate at the Research Associate at the Centre for the Future of Democracy, Bennett Institute, University of Cambridge
- „Traditionally war is men dominated. Gender sensitive approach to history can empower women in being peace-makers.“ Parvana Bayramova. Gender Equality Rapporteur, Office of Council of Europe, Baku
- “This forum should create equal participation of young people from global South and global North, highlight youth initiatives and ensure youth participations in all the forum talks.” Narayan Khanal, Youth delegate, Australia
We’re pleased that the Forum highlighted and encouraged democracy innovations at the grassroots and their transfer on a systemic level in order to strengthen the foundations of democratic societies, as well as actively empowered young people to participate at the forum discussions.
