Brussels, Belgium | October 14–17, 2025
At a time when democratic systems are facing unprecedented pressures—from deepening polarization and rising populism to the risks of autocratization—the global community of democratic innovators will come together in Brussels for the Democracy R&D 2025 Annual Conference, themed “Crossroads.”
This landmark gathering is more than a conference; it is a global forum for deliberative democracy, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, academics, youth leaders, and civil society actors from across continents to reflect, strategize, and innovate for stronger democratic futures.
About Democracy R&D
Democracy R&D is a worldwide network of organizations and experts dedicated to advancing deliberative democracy—a model where everyday citizens are selected by lot (sortition) to deliberate on pressing issues and inform decision-making.
Since its founding, the network has championed citizens’ assemblies, participatory governance, and inclusive dialogue, growing into one of the most influential platforms for reimagining how democracy works in practice.
Hosting the 2025 edition in Belgium is particularly symbolic: it is the birthplace of institutionalized citizens’ assemblies, including permanent assemblies in the German-speaking Community, Brussels Parliament, and Walloon Parliament.
Programme Overview
The four-day conference is carefully structured into three parts: a Pre-Programme (October 14), Main Programme (October 15–16), and Post-Programme (October 17). Each component builds toward equipping participants with ideas, skills, and connections to advance democratic renewal.
Pre-Programme – Tuesday, October 14
The conference kicks off with specialized sessions designed to immerse participants in Belgium’s unique democratic innovations and Europe’s broader democratic debates.
Permanent Assemblies in Belgium (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
A deep dive into Belgium’s pioneering permanent citizens’ assemblies. Participants will learn from practitioners working directly with assemblies in:The German-speaking community
Brussels Parliament
Walloon Parliament
The Brussels Climate Assembly
This session provides first-hand lessons on institutionalizing public deliberation within political systems.
European Democracy at Crossroads (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
A high-level dialogue addressing the state of European democracy, the challenges of representation, and the role of deliberative practices in revitalizing the European project. Organized in collaboration with the Hannah Arendt Institute, this session positions Europe as a testing ground for democratic renewal.
Note: Seats are limited for pre-programme events and require advance registration.
Main Programme – Wednesday–Thursday, October 15–16
The heart of the conference features two days of plenaries, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
Plenaries will set the stage with global perspectives on democratic challenges and opportunities.
Workshops and Deep Dives (many proposed by Democracy R&D members) will allow participants to engage practically on themes such as:
Designing and scaling citizens’ assemblies
Building resilience against populism and polarization
Embedding deliberation in policy and governance structures
Addressing questions of inclusion, equity, and accessibility
Networking Sessions will foster collaboration across continents and sectors, enabling new partnerships for democratic innovation.
The main programme is intentionally bottom-up, with session proposals shaped by members of the Democracy R&D network, ensuring the event reflects the priorities and creativity of practitioners worldwide.
Post-Programme – Friday, October 17
To close the conference, participants can engage in practical training and capacity-building sessions aimed at strengthening their work beyond the event.
Facilitation Training (3 hours)
Led by WeDoDemocracy, this session introduces facilitation techniques specific to citizens’ assemblies, equipping attendees with hands-on skills for guiding inclusive, respectful, and effective deliberation.Media Strategy Workshop
Conducted by Kristien Vermoesen from FINN Agency (Brussels), this session focuses on strategic storytelling, media engagement, and public communication—helping democratic innovators amplify the impact of their work.
Registration & Practical Information
Registration Deadline: October 3, 2025
Eligibility: Open primarily to Democracy R&D network members. Limited seats are available for non-members by invitation.
Fees:
Members: €400 (incl. 21% VAT)
Non-Members (invited): €450 (incl. 21% VAT)
Financial Support: To ensure inclusivity, the organizers are offering tiered financial assistance (ranging from waived fees to full travel and subsistence support), particularly for participants from the Global South and those with limited resources.
Venue:
The conference takes place at Maison du Bois, Brussels, a centrally located venue that accommodates up to 300 participants and is easily accessible by metro, tram, bus, and train.
Why This Matters for Youth
For young leaders and activists, Democracy R&D 2025 is a unique opportunity:
To learn directly from pioneers of deliberative democracy.
To acquire practical skills in facilitation, civic engagement, and media strategy.
To connect with a global network of peers, mentors, and allies working at the cutting edge of democratic innovation.
To bring back inspiration and tools for strengthening youth engagement and participatory governance at home.
Conclusion
The Democracy R&D 2025 Conference represents a vital crossroads—not only for the global deliberative democracy community but also for all who believe in inclusive, people-centered governance. By convening in Brussels, the birthplace of institutionalized citizens’ assemblies, the event offers both a look back at what has been achieved and a forward-looking agenda for what remains to be done.
For the Youth Café and its community of young changemakers, participation in this event signals a commitment to reimagining democracy with creativity, inclusivity, and resilience at its core.