Program 2025

The Future of European Democracy: Time for Dialogue. Time for Action!

How can we safeguard European democracy in an increasingly unpredictable world? Dialogue at European, national, and local levels is key to building trust, enhancing understanding, and reaffirming our commitment to democracy and human rights. However, dialogue must lead to concrete actions that protect and strengthen these values, ensuring their resilience in a rapidly changing global context.

Time for Dialogue. Time for Action!

Program details are subject to change

9:30 – 11:00: Opening Session

Conference Host: Jette Christensen

Call to Action!

Kristiansand European Youth Forum and Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.

Opening address

H.R.H The Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Welcome addresses

Mathias Bernander, Mayor of Kristiansand Municipality
Maria Varteressian, State Secretary, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Future of Democracy in Europe

Opening speeches:

Theodoros Rousopoulos, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
Maria Stockhaus, Vice President of the Nordic Council

Keynote Speech

Nils Muižnieks, Former Human Rights Commissioner at the Council of Europe. UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus.

Q&A session

Moderator: Jette Christensen

Nils Muiznieks, Theodoros Rousopoulos, and Maria Stockhaus and parliamentarians of the Nordic Council and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

11:00 - 11:15 Break

11:15 – 12:15: Ukraine: Building Dialogue for the Future

Political and Local Actions for Peace and Reconstruction

Exploring political and local efforts for peace, the role of international law, and cooperation for Ukraine’s recovery.

Opening Remarks

Anastasia Bondar, Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digitalization, Ukraine

Conversation between Oleksandr Syenkevych , Mykolaiv city mayor and representative from the Ukrainian Youth Delegation with Jette Christensen

United for Ukraine: Perspectives on Support and Solidarity, and the role of Culture

Keynote Speech: Gabrielius Landsbergis, Former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Panel Discussion:

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Bernd Vöhringer, President of the Chamber of Local Authorities, Congress of CoE
Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mykolaiv City Mayor
Daniela Morari, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the EU
Olha Volynska – Ukrainian journalist and author

Moderator: Jette Christensen

12:15 – 13:00 Lunch

13:00 – 14:00 | Europe's Democracy: Stronger Than We Think – or Weaker Than We Fear?

Challenges of Integration, Freedom of Speech, and growing political polarization

At a time when democratic values are under increasing pressure—both within and across national borders—the resilience of Europe’s democratic landscape is being tested. Not only through institutions, but also through civic engagement, public discourse, and cultural expression. Does European democracy truly stand as strong as we like to believe?

Artists as Defenders of Democracy: Statement on Artistic Freedom

Statement on the crucial role of artistic expression in defending democracy, by Sverre Pedersen, Freemuse, and artists from the international forum on artistic freedom.

Romania’s Election and Democracy Under Pressure
Conversation with journalist Remus Cernea, who will discuss the recent presidential election in Romania and its impact on democratic values and media freedoms, opening the conversation about democracy’s challenges across Europe.

Panel discussion:

Markus Lewe – Mayor of Münster, representing local governance perspectives (Germany)
Shaukat Warraich – Specialist in community integration (UK)
Catia Polidori - Parlamentarian and Chair of the PACE Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination. (Italy)
Remus Cernea - War correspondent, former Member of Parliament, and former adviser to the Prime Minister of Romania (Romania)
Jeppe Albers, Nordic Safe cities (Denmark)

Moderator: Jette Christensen

14:00 - 14:15 Break

14:15– 15:00: The Future of Democracy and Stability in Europe

The Evolving Roles of the UN and the Council of Europe

Moderator: Jette Christensen

A conversation between:

Nils Muižnieks, UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus
Tor Wennesland, former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process
Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe

Together, they will explore how the UN and the Council of Europe must adapt to safeguard democracy and stability in an increasingly unstable world. What role will these institutions play in shaping Europe's democratic future?

Call-to-Action

Youth Representative

The Way Ahead

Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

A special artistic and activist performance by Sámi artist Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen

Parallel Sessions

18:00 – 22:00: Evening Program

Venue: Christianholm Fortress

The State of Freedom of Speech

The evening will feature contributions from both local and international artists exploring artistic freedom of expression.

Musical performances by:

Nina Fay – a local artist bringing her unique artistic expression to the evening
Headlining Artist: Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen and her band

Publisert: 4. desember 2023 14:54
Oppdatert: 28. april 2025 15:57

Design: Tress Design | Webløsning: Monoform