This keynote will address the pressing issue of democracy and polarisation in today’s world. George Papandreou will share insights on how democratic systems are being challenged by growing societal divides. This event will reflect on the role of institutions, specifically the Council of Europe, in fostering dialogue, resilience, and democratic renewal.

Welcome and introductory remarks:

• Marie-Laure Salles, Director of the Geneva Graduate Institute
• Representative of the Canton and Republic of Geneva
   

Speaker :

• George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece from 2009 to 2011, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and General Rapporteur on Democracy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

George A. Papandreou is former Prime Minister of Greece from 2009 to 2011, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and General Rapporteur on Democracy at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and has led over the years the work of several Committees in producing recommendations for the deepening of democracy, humanrights and the rule of law across its 47 member- states. He currently serves as the Council’s General Rapporteur on Democracy.

Since June 2025, he is President of the International Olympic Truce Centre, established back in July 2000 as a joint initiative of Greece and the International Olympic Committee. Its mission is to promote the Olympic Ideals, to serve peace and friendship, and to cultivate international understanding.
 

This event is organised by the Geneva Chancellery of State and the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in the context of the Geneva Democracy Week.

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