The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy and the Kofi Annan Foundation will convene the sixth roundtable in their joint series examining the relationship between democracy and the multilateral system.

Across many regions, international cooperation and multilateral action are increasingly challenged by political polarisation, assertive nationalist agendas, and deep ideological divides. These tensions are particularly visible in debates surrounding democracy and migration. At the same time, the shared normative foundations that have historically supported multilateral cooperation appear to be under growing strain.

This roundtable forms part of a two-year collaboration between the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy and the Kofi Annan Foundation that seeks to strengthen reflection and dialogue on the relationship between democracy and multilateralism. Through exchanges across regions, the project explores how democratic, ethical, and inclusive leadership can help address pressing global challenges.

The discussion will focus on the intersection of democracy, multilateralism, and migration, and will be structured around an issue brief authored by Valerio Simoni, Research Associate at AHCD, which will serve as a provocation for the conversation.

This is a closed event by invitation only. Those interested in attending may write to democracy@graduateinstitute.ch with a brief explanation of their interest.