Thérésa Elhage
Intercultural dialogue can be the key to lasting peace in our chaotic world – this is what I thought as I passed the entrance doors to the council of Europe. I immediately felt transported into this “in-between” multicultural and multilingual environment full of people who also share this conviction. Between the 6th and the 8th of November, The 11th World Forum for Democracy took place at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg (France), around the theme of “Democracy = Peace”. On the website of the Council of Europe, the Forum is described as “a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide”. Attending the World Forum for Democracy was a captivating experience that immersed me in a melting pot of cultures. The interactive Labs covered various issues and provided a platform enhancing discussions and debates between the speakers and the audience. The central theme—how to improve democracy in Europe to better serve peace, especially in the context of conflicts like Ukraine/Russia and Israel/Palestine—underscored the forum’s contemporary relevance. The emphasis on multicultural dialogue highlighted the richness of diversity, and how it can lead to innovative solutions. Participants were encouraged to take the stage, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The overarching question of building sustainable peace and personal contributions to this goal permeated the discussions, creating a positive atmosphere that resonated throughout the forum.
What is the Council of Europe?
The Council of Europe, established in 1949, is an international organization dedicated to advancing democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Europe. Distinct from the European Union, it encompasses 47 member states, including those outside the EU. Key objectives involve safeguarding human rights through the European Convention on Human Rights, promoting democracy by supporting institutional development, upholding the rule of law, combating discrimination and intolerance, protecting minorities, and fostering cultural cooperation. Structured with vital bodies like the Committee of Ministers, Parliamentary Assembly, and European Court of Human Rights, the Council of Europe plays a pivotal role in shaping and enforcing standards that promote a cohesive and rights-respecting Europe.
Structure of the Forum:
Over the 3-day period the forum took place, participants could attend various Labs organized throughout the day, and hosting notable speakers. These Labs were discussing current world challenges as well as introducing some of the measures already put in place to tackle them. During these Labs, there was always a part dedicated to questions and discussions from and with the assembly, during which everyone could speak and ask questions or suggest an idea/solution. The nature of these Labs seemed to me to be foregrounding a democratic way to approach major problems through intercultural and multilingual dialogues. On Tuesday I attended four Labs which I will be focusing on in this article in order to provide insights on the forum itself: “The art of dialogue”, “The truth of war crimes. Making Use of Electronic Evidence and Open-Source Intelligence”, “Cross-cultural understanding”, and “International Community and Democratic Insecurity”.
To say the least, I was completely drained at the end of it all, but also marveled by what I had seen, heard and been a part of.
TUESDAY 7/11/2023
Lab1 – Democracy Fitness – Empathy, compromise, and courage:
“The art of dialogue”, the title of Lab1 immediately attracted me. In my personal experience, I agreed on that postulate. Dialogue is such a powerful skill to master, and can have a positive life-changing impact when used for the right motives. For that reason, I would assume it is fair to call it an art. Throughout this compelling discussion, the speakers delved into the profound potential of dialogue as a unifying force, transcending cultural differences and ideologies. The conversation illuminated the belief that despite diverse cultures and ideals, dialogue serves as a bridge. It was a poignant reminder that despite our differences, simple acts like savoring a cup of coffee or spending time with a pet, thread us together. The universality of these fundamental human experiences, notably the experience of grief, are daily reminders of our shared humanity.
Another element that was highlighted in the discussion was that empathy is a skill, and a strength when it comes to applying a democratic approach to our life. Plato said that “The highest form of knowledge is empathy“, and in fact, according to the founders of “Democracy Fitness”, empathy is a skill that needs to be developed in the context of democracy. “Democracy Fitness” was launched by Trine Demant, Zakia Elvang and Kathrine Krone in 2017 and foregrounds the need to train, at an individual and group level, democracy. The idea behind it is that, just like a body, democracy needs to be exercised to be healthy. Because, let’s be honest, do people know, and especially younger people, how to take part in democracy and what it is? Well, according to Trine Demant and Kathrine Krone who participated in this lab, adopting a courageous mindset can be a first step young people can take on a daily basis to face the overwhelming complexity of this world. Being democratic on a daily basis can just mean being firm and confident in what you are arguing and/or believing in, while also being open and respectful about someone else’s opinion. Having the courage to do that, is, according to the founders of “Democracy Fitness”, the most important skill to develop as a young person today in Europe in the face of all of the conflicts, suffering, and inequalities happening in the world.
The collective consensus ended by stating that peace-making is also a value the younger generations should train, and nurture as a fundamental ethos. It is our responsibility to sustain and fortify peace for the future.
Lab2 – War Crimes and conflicts: The truth of war crimes. Making Use of Electronic Evidence and Open-Source Intelligence
This lab revolves around the Open Source Intelligence Justice and Accountability Unit (J&A Unit), a joint effort by Bellingcat and Global Legal Action Network (GLAN). Its goal is to demonstrate how online open-source information can be useful in legal proceedings. The J&A Unit focuses on probing potential atrocity crimes and was formally established in March 2022. This unit often works on projects that investigate, and seek accountability, for human rights abuses, war crimes, and violations of international humanitarian law. Currently, their projects are focusing on two regions: Yemen and Ukraine. In the case of Yemen, the organization initiated an open-source project as a part of its commitment to pursuing accountability for severe civilian harm caused by aerial attacks in Yemen, orchestrated by the Saudi/UAE-led coalition. GLAN conducted a comprehensive analysis using online open-source information. Amidst the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the J&A Unit alongside GLAN are preparing to launch a series of investigations into alleged atrocity crimes occurring in the region.
The discourse also highlighted a sobering reality: journalists and media entities find themselves increasingly victimized by criminal acts. Arte reporter Vladimir Vasak expounded on the establishment of a new charter on AI and journalism by Reporters Without Borders and the launch of a platform enabling access to information from Russian and Ukrainian journalists abroad. He also highlighted the pivotal role of upcoming parliamentary elections in the integration of Ukraine into the “European family”, fostering democracy and accountability.
Kathryne Bomberger, the current Director-General of the International Commission on Missing Persons, provided insights into the use of advanced DNA technology by the ICMP to locate missing individuals, citing staggering numbers like 20,000 missing Syrians and 30,000 in Ukraine.
Collectively, this dialogue portrayed a sea-change in the perception of crime by notable world organizations. A Change which had started with the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2002, and the acknowledgment of genocides in Rwanda and the Balkans. Above all, this talk emphasized that sharing information remains a cornerstone in constructing trust and credibility in today’s global landscape.
Lab3: Cross-cultural understanding:
The talk was presided by the Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, Véronique Bertholle, who started by highlighting the current need to associate democracy with peace: “Jamais auparavant il n’a aussi été pressant de réfléchir à la relation entre démocratie et paix” (Never before has it been so urgent to reflect on the relationship between democracy and peace).
The discussion centered on the potent role of art in fostering dialogue, particularly among youths, aiming to bridge pervasive forms of discrimination in specific countries. One of the speakers came from Nepal, and is at the onset of an initiative, the ‘Sadbhaad’ project, engaging youths between 14 and 18 years old, to participate through art in discussing and questioning societal norms and discriminatory attitudes. Workshops, such as “Chop, Stir, and Smash the Patriarchy: Equality Starts in the Kitchen,” led by local artists, not only shifted the perceptions of young Nepalis on inequalities and remaining issues in their society but also shaped their behaviors by fostering social connectivity and nurturing progressive mindsets. Similarly, initiatives like the People’s Dialogue Festival in Kenya and the House of Good Tones from Bosnia showcase the transformative power of art in societal discourse.
These platforms enable diverse dialogues, promote intercultural understanding, and emphasize the essentiality of democratic values amongst young Nepalis, Kenyans, and Bosnians. They underscore that our future is intricately woven with our interactions, diverse inspirations, and the belief that democracy thrives on the right to think differently.
Lab4: International Community and Democratic Insecurity
The discussion in this Lab sparked a contemplative dialogue on the intricacies and paradoxes within democratic systems. Participants, who mainly came from the United States, deliberated on why democracies often struggle to fully embody democratic principles. The conversation highlighted a stark reality: while democracies may advocate democratic principles, assisting in democratization becomes less appealing when divergent interests prevail. This conundrum, rooted in survival-oriented leadership, reflects the complex interplay between democratic values and practical governance. An intriguing legal perspective emerged from Bosnia, where the supremacy of the European Convention on Human Rights over national law was underscored—an instance raising questions about legal hierarchies and international obligations. Moreover, the paradox of democracies leveraging issues not solely because they are right, but because they serve their own interests, was brought to the fore, challenging the notion of altruistic action in global affairs. The discussion probed the inherent tension between promoting citizens’ interests and the historical undertones where colonial legacies have seemingly prioritized home populations’ benefits over broader global welfare. These reflections prompt introspection, questioning the ethical responsibility of democracies towards global issues and the complexities of navigating self-interests within democratic frameworks.
On Wednesday, during the closing plenary session taking place in the European Parliament, many people highlighted the limits of the forum, as some topics around the current geopolitical issues were avoided, or cut short by the presenters. Is this democracy in action? As I witnessed it, I was reminded of the definition of democracy given by one of the speakers on a Lab on Cross-Cultural Understanding. Democracy, he said, is, above all else, the right to think differently. Nonetheless, the forum still showed democracy in action as everyone attending could express their opinion and give ideas and insights on different issues. As a result, my understanding of it all is that democracy is still a work in progress, but a promising one.
Photo credit: Thérésa Elhage
The Euroculturer 