New era for democracy? Finding ways forward in tomorrow’s democratic landscape.

The Swedish Institute and Ideell Arena invite you to a networking conference 8 May – a unique opportunity to share insights, spark innovative ideas, and collaborate with a network of over 100 international civil society leaders from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye. 
People at a mingle

Welcome to a space for reflection, experience exchange, and mutual support

Today’s democracy is evolving, and challenges such as affective polarisation, disinformation, and democratic backsliding are testing our shared values. That’s why we are creating a dedicated space for reflection, experience exchange and finding ways forward. As a leader in civil society, you are invited to join us for an inspiring event where ideas will be shared, new partnerships forged, and networks expanded.

Åsa Wikforss is a distinguished philosopher, professor and member of the Swedish Academy. Photo: Roger Turesson.

Lecture by Åsa Wikforss

The conference will feature a lecture by Åsa Wikforss, a distinguished philosopher, professor and member of the Swedish Academy. Her research delves deep into the foundations of our democratic systems, in her lecture, she will explore how today’s challenges are reshaping our values while offering thoughts on how to navigate these turbulent times. Her ability to bridge academic thought with real-world implications promises to inspire critical reflection and dialogue among civil society leaders as we seek a way forward in tomorrow’s democratic era.

Connect with influential leaders

Don’t miss the chance to connect with influential leaders from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Türkiye working for democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, who will be visiting Stockholm as part of the Swedish Institute’s Leader Lab. Thanks to our collaboration with Ideell Arena, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet and network with other influential leaders from Swedish civil society.

Established in 1998 by researchers and nonprofit leaders, Ideell Arena brings together around a hundred organisations to enhance strategic leadership through training, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning in close partnership with academia.

We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging and forward-thinking conversation about the future of democracy.

Thursday 8 May 13:00-17:00

Skanstull, Stockholm
The conference will be followed by a networking mingle, ending at 19:00.

Last day to register 21 April. Please note this conference is by invitation only, and that seats are limited. 

Once you have registered, this page will be updated with a confirmation of your registration. Ahead of the event, you will receive an email with further details.

SI’s data protection policy

Register to SI Networking Conference

Are you working in civil society?(Required)
What sessions do you wish to attend (and in what role)?(Required)
Data protection policy(Required)
By checking this box, you confirm that you have read and accept the Swedish Institute's data protection policy, as well as the terms regarding photography and video recording at the event. During the event, SI will invite a photographer to capture photos and videos for use on our social media and marketing materials. If you do not wish to have your image or video shared in this context, please contact [email protected] or inform the organisers upon your arrival.

Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding the event.   

*SI Leader Lab is arranged by the Swedish Institute with support from Hyper Island. It’s designed to give participants an opportunity to explore their leadership skills and effective advocacy methods. This year’s participants come from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine.

There will also be opportunities to know more about Swedish Institute’s offers, including leadership programmes and grants with funding for cooperation between Swedish organisations and international counterparts.

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Ideell Arena is a non-governmental organisation gathering around a hundred organisations from civil society in Sweden. Founded in 1998 by researchers and leaders from various nonprofit organisations, Ideell Arena implements training programs and manages networks to strengthen strategic leadership in the sector. All activities are based on knowledge exchange and mutual learning, in close cooperation with academia.