(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) At a time when social cohesion is crucial for societies to navigate the twin transitions of climate change and digitalisation, declining trust and increasing polarisation are making meaningful social dialogue and consensus more challenging in many democracies.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) This session will feature the voices of a diverse set of experienced high-level speakers to ask what comes next for democracy.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) In the current context, strengthening trust is a priority for all governments. Successive global crises in recent years have tested confidence in government, and information ecosystems are being further challenged with rising mis and disinformation and the use of generative AI. At the same time, unmet rising citizen expectations around participation and representation, and concerns around government’s ability to tackle complex policy issues in the public interest and in a transparent and accountable manner are driving trust levels down. The report OECD Survey on the Drivers of Trust in Institutions – 2024 Results delivers new evidence on the various ways governments can strengthen trust. This session will take stock of the evolution of trust in public institutions and discuss concrete actions governments can take in the future.

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream, Audience poll) Engaging citizens in public policy and decision making has evolved from a novelty to an established field of practice over the past decades. This doesn’t mean that we are doing it well enough to meet the growing and evolving expectations of citizens in the digital age. Successive results of the OECD Trust Survey show that citizens feel that their voices are not heard, indicating that meaningful citizen engagement still needs to be further developed. Governments have not yet found the right balance between traditional representative mechanisms and participatory and deliberative processes. This session will offer an opportunity to review countries’ experiences and will discuss how the OECD can support them in pursuing more meaningful and measurable citizen participation processes beyond elections, including through the use of emerging civic technologies and artificial intelligence.

(Sala Biagi, 1st Floor) Data shows growing divides along gender, education and age lines when it comes to democracy and trust in institutions. In countries as diverse as Germany, the Republic of Korea, Tunisia and the United States this gap is a growing phenomenon. But what does this mean?

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) Better informed citizens now expect quality, accessible public administrative services which meet the standards of inclusive societies. This session will explore successful government experiences in meeting people's expectations for quality, accessible and tailored services. From enhancing user experiences to transforming service delivery using AI, the session will provide cutting-edge insights and discuss how to implement the new OECD Recommendation on Human-centred Public Administrative Services.

(Sala Solesin, 1st Floor) Online registration required for this session. Link to register & join the session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudumprDIpHNV2ztmVO2bCl1OAqWMcrSsS This panel, organized by the EEA and Norway Grants at the OECD Global Forum on Building Trust and Democracy, will explore the crucial role of civil society in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in promoting information integrity. The discussion will focus on the Civil Society Fund (CSF) and how civil society can combat disinformation and misinformation, which pose significant threats to liberal democracy and public trust. Key Discussion Points - Civil Society's Role: How can civil society organizations (CSOs) and journalists effectively tackle disinformation and misinformation as threats to democracy, particularly in the context of rising societal polarization? - Accountability and Partnership: What is the role of CEE civil society in holding governments accountable and partnering with them to promote information integrity, especially amidst growing distrust in authorities? - Models of Cooperation: What adaptable models can be utilized for civil society and government collaboration, potentially drawing from the OECD framework? - Challenges and Safeguards: What specific challenges do external influence campaigns present, and how can free speech be protected while combating disinformation? Speakers : Anna Gielewska, Reporter’s Foundation, Poland Diana Filimon, Forum Apulum, Romania Nikola Tulechki, Ontotext, Bulgaria Ilmar Raag, Estonia Victor Breiner, Insititute for Resilience Building, Slovakia Moderator: Krzysztof Izdebski, Stefan Batory Foundation, Poland

(Auditorium Testori, English/French interpretation, available via Livestream) Successfully addressing climate change and other environmental goals is a challenge for democratic governments – they need to show that they are fit to handle long-term, complex, interconnected and systemic challenges, manage difficult trade-offs and achieve wider well-being outcomes. None of this can be done without the understanding and meaningful engagement of citizens. This parallel session will take an in-depth look at the range of concrete actions required to bring citizens on board with the green transition.

(Sala Solesin, 1st Floor) The rule of law and access to justice are foundational pillars for democratic governance – essential for the protection of human rights, law enforcement and the overall functioning of democratic societies. This session will highlight innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to strengthen a people-centered rule of law and enhance access to justice globally.

(Sala Biagi, 1st Floor) This parallel session will discuss the achievements and challenges of rebuilding and strengthening democratic governance systems, the importance of resilient public institutions, and the impact of Russia's on-going war of aggression for the future of democracy in the European Eastern Partnership Region.