The Global Network of Democratic Innovators — meets Brussels
From the halls of Parliament in Ireland to the streets of Bogotá, new forms of public participation are helping governments tackle complex issues with greater legitimacy, inclusion, and trust.
A quiet transformation is reshaping democracy. Democratic innovators, from politicians to practitioners, are empowering citizens to address the current democratic crisis.
This October, Brussels will host the Democracy R&D 2025 conference — the annual gathering of democratic innovators working to make democracy more resilient and responsive through deliberation and democratic lotteries.
This is your invitation to learn, connect, and explore the potential of democratic innovations.
Who are We?
The Democracy R&D Network is an international network of organizations, associations, and individuals helping decision makers take hard decisions and build public trust.
We improve democratic decision-making through sortition, deliberation, and participation. Our members collaborate across continents to design, implement, and advocate for citizen assemblies and other deliberative processes.
Meet the minds tackling today's democratic challenges worldwide.
OUR APPROACH
Citizens’ Assemblies
Democratic Lottery
Also known as Sortition
Deliberation
Pre - Programme
On October 13, we invite politicians, civil servants, and Brussels-based professionals to join a high-level pre-programme session focused on the state of democracy in Europe and beyond.
This compact afternoon gathering will offer a diagnostic of democratic developments, highlight the lessons of the past year, and open discussion on how Europe can lead by example — not only through policies, but by reforming and strengthening its democratic systems.
It’s an opportunity for institutional actors and EU policymakers to engage directly with democracy experts and practitioners in a candid, timely conversation.
15:45–16:00 | Opening Remarks
16:00–16:15 | Introduction: The State of Democracy – Europe and the World
16:15–17:15 | Panel 1: What Have We Learned This Year?
A critical look at the diagnostic of democracy, drawing on insights from across Europe and globally
17:15–17:30 | Break
17:30–18:30 | Panel 2: What Should Europe Do?
How can Europe become a credible force for democracy globally? What institutional reforms and new tools are needed to renew democracy from within?
Curious to learn more or attend Tuesday’s open events?
Visit our X page
Or reach out to us at contact@drd2025.org to register your interest.