Athens, often called the cradle of democracy, kicked off the Athens Democracy Forum 2025 yesterday at 18:00 in the Odeon of Athens. Running from 30 September to 3 October, the forum brings together officials, scholars, and journalists from many countries to ask a clear question: how can today’s democracies handle 21st-century tests? Organizers say the event is under the auspices of the President of the Republic, the Democracy & Culture Foundation, and The New York Times.
How did local authorities respond?
The forum opened with a keynote by Achilleas Tsaltas, President of the Democracy & Culture Foundation, followed by remarks from Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, who outlined progress and next steps in the country’s digital transformation. Together, they set the tone for the days ahead: trust in institutions, transparency, and services built around the needs of residents.
What do organizers highlight?
Organizers point to practical exchange over big speeches: cross-sector panels, proposals backed by data, and room for younger voices to question established models. With sessions hosted in central venues, Athens is not just a symbolic backdrop. The city takes part in the conversation.
What questions are on the agenda?
- AI, ethics and democracy: balancing innovation with rights and accountability.
- Academic freedom, electoral integrity and the role of NGOs: safeguarding open debate and fair contests.
- Populism and the global order: navigating shocks to multilateral norms.
- The voice of youth and tomorrow’s democracy: renewing participation and representation.
Plenaries and working sessions continue through 3 October, with outcomes meant to inform civic initiatives and policy discussion after the forum ends.
Who is taking part in the forum?
International speakers at a glance
- Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD
- Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia and President of the Club de Madrid
- Ivan Krastev, political analyst and Chair, Center for Liberal Strategies
- Martin Hojsík, Vice-President of the European Parliament
- Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe
- Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Canada
- Marjan H. Ehsassi, Director General, FIDE North America
- Hélène Landemore, Professor of Political Science, Yale University
- Battinto L. Batts, Jr., Dean, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism
- Maria Ressa, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
- James S. Fishkin, Professor, Stanford University
- Gideon Levy, Israeli journalist and author
- Bill de Blasio, former Mayor of New York City, in conversation with Athens Mayor Haris Doukas
What does this mean for the city?
Hosting the forum strengthens Athens’s identity as a meeting place for public debate. The Odeon’s central location puts the discussions in plain view for residents and visitors, while themes such as digital governance, media freedom, and civic participation match local priorities, from improving public services to youth engagement.
What do residents think?
The opening drew a diverse audience of policymakers, academics, and media. Official attendance figures were not available at press time, and organizers had not yet released detailed participation data; this will be updated when confirmed. Sessions are open to registered participants, and side events are expected to draw local interest.
Where to find more information?
Program and accreditation details are provided by the forum’s organizers and partners. Role titles listed above reflect organizers’ materials and may require verification.
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