Future of Democracy: Resilience Against Ethno-Nationalism Digital Threats

Join us for an urgent conversation on the future of democracy as ethno-nationalism and digital threats increasingly erode civic space, fuel polarization, and deepen existing inequalities. Around the world, far-right narratives and rapidly evolving technologies are accelerating conflict dynamics and weakening democratic institutions. On this event we are raising critical questions about how civil society can protect rights, uphold pluralism, and rebuild public trust.

This Human Rights Day panel brings together leading experts working at the intersection of democracy, digital governance, and peacebuilding. Together, we will explore how civil society, human rights defenders, and regulators are responding to these mounting pressures, and what collective strategies can strengthen resilience and safeguard democratic participation.

Drawing on experiences from India, West Africa, the Sahel, and other fragile contexts, the discussion will examine both the scale of democratic backsliding and digital harms, as well as the emerging opportunities for accountability, community organising, and rights-based digital governance.

Following the panel, participants are invited to join an open Q&A and an informal reception — a space to connect, exchange perspectives, and engage directly with the speakers.

Speakers:

• Prof. Dr. Rahul Mukherji — Chair in Modern Politics of South Asia, Heidelberg University
• Lena Slachmuijlder — Senior Advisor on Digital Peacebuilding, Search for Common Ground
• Moderator: Ulviya Hasanova — Senior Advocacy Officer, DAHRD
• Date & Time: 10 December 2025 15:00 – 17:00
• Location:  Silversquare Square de Meeûs 35 1000 Brussels