Democracy Futures Dialogue: UNGA81 Plenary Edition

Reimagining Democracy in an Era of Heightened Disruption: Technology, Trust, the People, and Turning Points

An international policy dialogue convened by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) and hosted in partnership with the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice and Partnerships for Integrity, bringing together leaders, institutions and practitioners to advance democratic governance through evidence, dialogue and collaborative action.

This event, taking place alongside the 81st UN General Assembly, will examine how democratic institutions can respond to an era defined by technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, declining public trust and evolving citizen expectations, and identify practical pathways for strengthening democratic resilience and restoring institutional trust.

The dialogue will feature two structured panels and a keynote address.

Register here

Democracy at a Turning Point: Navigating Disruption and its Implications

This opening conversation will examine the forces reshaping democracy across the world. Panelists will explore topics including geopolitical shifts, democratic backsliding, technological disruption from AI and other emerging technologies, declining public trust in institutions, information integrity, civic space, and the evolving role of international institutions in supporting democratic governance.

Speakers

• Dr. Joseph Sany, former Vice President of the Africa Center at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
• Caitlin Dearing Scott, Director, Global Initiatives | Countering Foreign Authoritarian Influence, International Republican Institute (IRI)
• Dr. Matthew Ayibakuro, Governance Advisor at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) *moderator

From Disruption to Delivery: Restoring Trust and Building Resilient Democratic Institutions

Building on the opening discussion, this panel will explore what democratic institutions and other actors must do to respond to disruption through innovation while protecting human rights and meaningful citizen participation. Speakers will delve into questions of institutional accountability and oversight, technology solutions for transparency and accountability, citizen engagement, and effective institutional responses to declining trust.

Speakers

• Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director, National Democratic Institute (NDI)
• Bonolo Makgale, Program Manager, Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit, Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria
• Witney Schniedman, Nonresident Senior Fellow – Global Economy and Development, Africa Growth Initiative, The Brookings Institution
• Adaobi Egboka, Director of Africa Initiatives, Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice *moderator

More information available at KDI’s Democracy Future Dialogue event page.