{"id":6489,"date":"2024-11-22T14:32:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T14:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/demokracia.umb.sk\/?p=6489"},"modified":"2025-07-03T14:33:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:33:35","slug":"internship-opportunity-2-2-3-2-2-2-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/demokracia.umb.sk\/index.php\/2024\/11\/22\/internship-opportunity-2-2-3-2-2-2-6\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Forum 2024: Strengthening Democracy and Civil Society in the 21st Century"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 11th annual Human Forum, themed Democracy in Danger!<\/em> took place from November 19 to 21, 2024, in Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica, Slovakia. Organized by the civic platform \u201cNie v na\u0161om meste\u201d in collaboration with the Institute for Democracy at Matej Bel University, this internationally recognized event continues its mission of fostering dialogue on democracy, human rights, and civil society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s forum arrived at a critical moment, as democracies worldwide face increasing threats from polarization, populism, and rising authoritarian tendencies. Over the course of three days, participants from academia, civic organizations, government, and international institutions engaged in dynamic discussions, practical workshops, and cultural programs designed to address these pressing challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Themes and Program Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bottom-up Democracy<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forum\u2019s opening day, set in the historic Cikker Hall of Bansk\u00e1 Bystrica, emphasized the pivotal role of grassroots activism in maintaining democratic systems. Panelists examined how local civic communities could counter extremism, nationalism, racism, and other forms of intolerance. Discussions also focused on the significance of fostering sustainable democratic practices at the local level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers of the first day included among others also Tea Jaliashvili, First Deputy Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights \u2013 Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Vladim\u00edr \u0160ucha \u2013 Head of Representation of the European Commission in the Slovak Republic, Monika Uhlerov\u00e1 \u2013 President of the Confederation of Trade Unions, Grigory Mesezhnikov, political scientist, Filip Vaga\u010d, Platform for Democracy, Barbara Sadowska, Barka Foundation, Poland, Simona-Alexandra Ionescu-Filip, Anais Association, Romania or Catherine Fieschi, author and academic, European University Institute, Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Science, Research, and Civil Society<\/u><\/em>
On day two, sessions delved into how academic research can inform and strengthen civil society\u2019s response to challenges such as economic inequality and regional disparities, but also polarized politics and populism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key sessions include these research-oriented topics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Geography of Discontent: How Economic Inequality Fuels Democratic Discontent in Europe\u201d, featuring: Erik Jones, Director of the Robert Schuman Centre, European University Institute, Oksana Antonenko, European University Institute and Kamila Borsekov\u00e1, Matej Bel University, led by Katar\u00edna Vit\u00e1li\u0161ov\u00e1, Matej Bel University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFragmented Loyalties and Polarized Politics: Insights from Slovakia and Beyond\u201d, with: Petra Alderman, University of Birmingham, Bogdan Ianosev, Institute for Democracy at Matej Bel University, Felix Butzlaff, Central European University, Vienna and Jozef Michal Mint\u00e1l, Matej Bel University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education for Democracy<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final day focused on education\u2019s role in promoting democratic values. Panels and workshops explored how collaboration between schools, NGOs, and governments can foster tolerance and counteract indoctrination. Topics also included strategies for integrating democratic principles into the curriculum and the potential to lower Slovakia\u2019s voting age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notable speakers include \u00c1bel Ravasz, Adviser to the Minister of Education, Petra Jankovsk\u00e1, Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic, Tina Ga\u017eovi\u010dov\u00e1, Member of the National Assembly, Maro\u0161 Chmel\u00edk, Director of the Center for Community Organizing and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Unique Forum for Dialogue and Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since its inception in 2014, the Human Forum has served as a platform for building partnerships across local, regional, and international democratic communities. Each year, the event brings together a diverse array of participants, from grassroots activists to high-level officials, creating a space for open dialogue and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s edition included:<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n