The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy is pleased to invite you to Democracy Week 2026, a series of public events organised in collaboration with the Geneva Chancellery of State. Bringing together academics, policymakers, journalists, civil society actors, and the wider public, this initiative creates a space for dialogue on the opportunities and challenges facing democracy today.
At a time when democratic societies are confronted with growing polarization, declining trust in institutions, the impact of artificial intelligence on public debate, and pressures on academic freedom and civic participation, Democracy Week offers an opportunity to reflect on how democratic practices can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Throughout the week, participants will be invited to explore democracy from multiple perspectives through interactive visits, panel discussions, public conversations, book launches, and cultural events. Topics will include trust in media in the age of artificial intelligence, political polarization and pathways to depolarization, academic freedom, civic engagement, and the role of cultural institutions in strengthening democratic life.
The programme will open with an immersive urban experience, "Exploring Geneva: Democracy, Philanthropy and International Institutions," guiding participants through some of Geneva's most emblematic sites and highlighting the connections between democracy, philanthropy, media, diplomacy, and International Geneva. Other highlights include an interactive visit to Geneva's Hôtel de Ville exploring the functioning of Swiss democracy, a roundtable on the future of trust in media, discussions on polarization and academic freedom, and a conversation on the growing role of museums as actors of democracy.
Democracy Week will also feature opportunities to engage with recent research through book launches and discussions on activism, feminist solidarity, and democratic resilience in authoritarian contexts. These events will bring together scholars, practitioners, and members of the public to exchange perspectives on the future of democratic participation and collective action.
Join us for a week of exploration, debate, and engagement at the heart of Geneva's democratic and international ecosystem
PARCOURS IMMERSIF "EXPLORER GENEVE: DEMOCRATIE, PHILANTHROPIE ET INSTITUTIONS INTERNATIONALES"
Saturday 3 October 14:00 - 18:00
MEDIAS: QUELLE CONFIANCE A L'ERE DE L'INTELLIGENCE ARTIFICIELLE ?
Monday 5 October 18:00 - 19:30
HOW DOES SWISS DEMOCRACY WORK ? AN INTERACTIVE VISIT TO GENEVA'S HOTEL DE VILLE
Tuesday 6 October 11:30 - 14:30
POLARIZATION AND DE-POLARIZATION
Tuesday 6 October 18:30 - 19:30
ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN FOCUS: CHALLENGES AND RESPONSES
Wednesday 7 October 18:30 - 19:30
BOOK LAUNCH BY CHRISTIN TONNE
Thursday 8 October, 12h30 - 14h00
