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Forum History

 

The Forum was established by the Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe  (Warsaw, May 2005), to strengthen democracy, political freedoms and citizens' participation.

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Forum previous sessions

2011

(Limassol, Cyprus, October)

Interdependence of democracy and social cohesion.

New: Proceedings

"Radical measures taken in many countries to try to balance public budgets are both necessary and understandable†but  “Countries are running a high risk of seriously undermining the European model of social cohesion.† declared Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland while opening the Cyprus Forum.

2010

(Yerevan, October)

Perspectives 2020 Democracy in Europe - Principles and Challenges

Proceedings

 

''The Council of Europe has a unique strategic role to play in strengthening good democratic governance at all levels in the European space''. Democracy, or rather good democratic governance, is now not only intrinsically linked to the respect of human rights but is also recognised as the most effective form of governance to ensure stability, sustainability and well-being.

 That was the main message of the 2010 Forum.

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2009

(Kyiv, October)

Electoral systems: strengthening democracy in the 21st century

(Proceedings)

 "In a genuine democracy, the citizen is sovereign and the voter decides" - that was the main message of the 2009 Forum, which highlighted the need for greater public involvement, with a view to increasing voter turnout and ensuring that all stages of public life are democratic..

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2008

(Madrid, October)

"E-democracy: who dares?"

 

The discussions addressed the impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on democracy.

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2007

(Stockholm, June)

"Power and empowerment - The interdependence of democracy and human rights"

 

This event addressed issues such as the role and responsibilities of the opposition, representative democracy at the local and regional level, empowerment of the individual and non-discrimination, respect for freedom of expression and association for civil society, and fostering democracy, human rights and social networks.

 (...)

 

2006

(Moscow, October)

"The role of political parties in the building of democracy"

 

The Forum reflected on  the role and responsibilities of political parties in finding democratic solutions to contemporary challenges, the interaction between political parties and with other actors in the democratic process, and the building and strengthening of democratic institutions.

(...)

 

Launch meeting (Warsaw, November 2005)

"Citizens' participation"

 

 

The discussions addressed the state of contemporary democracy in Europe.

(...)

Previous projects

("Making

Democratic institutions work")

 
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Forum for the Future of Democracy 2011

‘The Interdependence of Democracy and Social Cohesion’

Opening session

Mr Kostantyn Gryshchenko,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and
Chairman of the Committee of Ministers
of the Council of Europe

Mr. President,
Mr. Secretary General,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

First and foremost, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Cypriot authorities for their warm hospitality and professional organisation of the Forum for the Future of Democracy.
The metronome of the current world affairs swings faster than ever. Our globalized world becomes increasingly interdependent and dynamic.
In this environment, the Council of Europe which embraces the entire continent, needs to rethink its unique role, objectives and goals; in order to respond to the modern challenges in a more consolidated and efficient manner.
Such transformations are already taking place in the framework of the ongoing reform of the Organisation.
Last year the Committee of Ministers adopted a mission statement for the Forum and new guidelines for its operation.
The key point of the decision is based on a desire to strengthen the impact of the Forum and its contribution to the Council of Europe’s activities concerning the issues of democracy.
Let me express my confidence that these two days of discussions which are about to begin will be a major step in this new approach.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The theme of interdependence between democracy and social cohesion has always been a central one for the Council of Europe.
We can’t deny the link between social cohesion and democracy, because any socially unprotected person cannot enjoy in an appropriate way his or her fundamental democratic rights.
Thus, social cohesion is a necessary requirement to achieve the Council of Europe’s fundamental goals of promoting democracy, defending human rights and the rule of law throughout Europe.
In view of the Forum debates on the building democracy and fostering social cohesion I would like to remind about two important documents of the Council of Europe: it is the Strategy for Social Cohesion and the Action Plan for Social Cohesion.
Both of them were adopted in 2010.
These documents aim to help our governments to put into practice their political commitment to social cohesion.
Today, social cohesion is understood as being the capacity of a society to ensure the welfare of all its members, minimising disparities and avoiding polarisation.
This fundamental idea is clearly reflected in comprehensive reforms which are now underway in Ukraine.
These reforms are aimed both at social and economic transformations and will finally result in strengthening the democratic system in the country and increase social cohesion within its society.
Obviously, it is important to secure that systematic and consistent change, profound modernization of the state be developed in parallel to a social content increase.
This is among the primary goals of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine which remains a positive example of the profound expertise and practical assistance provided by the Council of Europe for its member states in different fields, including social cohesion.

Ladies and gentlemen,
The broadest possible access to fundamental social rights, such as the right to housing and to health is the cornerstone of the common values we share within the Council of Europe.
How can we claim to have a genuine democracy without the effective enjoyment of these rights, where all individuals find their place in the community and contribute to political, social and cultural life?
How can we talk about effective and active citizenship while poverty and exclusion are threatening growing sections of the population in our countries?
Our common values are currently under a dual threat from the financial crisis which is having a very serious impact on the Council of Europe member states and from the breakdown in solidarity and the social fabric.
Our organisation could not ignore these threats and has taken various steps to address them.
By way of example, I would like to mention the holding in September of a meeting of the young people and youth leaders, whom I welcomed myself to Strasbourg, where they had come to express their views and share their experience regarding access to social rights in Europe.
I could also refer to the preparation of guidelines and a declaration on Local Government in Critical Times: Policies for Crisis, Recovery and Sustainable Future, which will be submitted for adoption at the 17th session of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Local and Regional Government to be held in Kyiv on 3 and 4 November 2011.
I am pleased that the “Living Together” report presented by the Group of Eminent Persons at the 121st ministerial session in Istanbul in May, and devoted to promoting tolerance and intercultural dialogue in Europe, will be a reference work for this Forum’s discussions.
For its part, the Committee of Ministers is currently working on follow-up to this major report, which will be on the agenda for its meeting on 26 October.

Ladies and gentlemen,
By bringing together representatives of governments, parliaments, local and regional authorities and civil society, the Limassol Forum offers us a unique opportunity for considering the issue of the interdependence between democracy and social cohesion on a cross-sectoral level.
I am confident that your discussions will produce innovative ideas about the ways in which our Organisation can promote democratic societies in Europe which seek to strengthen the ties of solidarity between its members.
This debate, which is vital to the future of our societies, does not just concern Europe.
It also resonates at a global level.
In conclusion, I would like to refer to the Arab Spring, which has been in progress for almost a year.
This movement reminds us of the universal desire of peoples for freedom and social justice.
It has led to closer contacts between several Mediterranean countries and the Council of Europe.
Indeed, the Committee of Ministers is currently considering the possibilities for co-operating with these countries to support them in their democratic transition.
Before closing, I should like to extend a particular welcome to those participants coming from the southern shore of the Mediterranean.
Thank you for your attention.