Democracy Drinks

What is it?

#DemocracyDrinks is an informal, recurring conversation and networking series bringing together people working on democracy, peace, justice, and democratic participation.

The format is intentionally simple: open, dialogue-led conversations in a relaxed setting. #DemocracyDrinks The Hague provides space to connect across sectors, test ideas, explore emerging questions, and reflect collectively on democratic challenges beyond formal panels or presentations.

Launched in Brussels in 2018, #DemocracyDrinks now takes place in cities around the world. Editions in The Hague have brought together a diverse mix of practitioners from NGOs, international institutions, think tanks, government, and civil society.

Who is it for?

#DemocracyDrinks is for anyone curious about, working on, researching, or engaging with questions of democracy, rule of law, human rights, and democratic participation across sectors, disciplines, and levels of action. You do not need to be a speaker or expert to participate; curiosity and willingness to connect and engage in conversation are enough.

What can you expect?

Each edition centres on a shared conversation around a timely topic, question, or dilemma. Conversations are lightly facilitated to frame the issue, followed by open discussion with participants and informal networking over drinks. The emphasis is on connection, reflection, and dialogue – not presentations, launches, or formal debates.

Host your own #DemocracyDrinks edition!

#DemocracyDrinks The Hague combines regularly programmed editions with curated, community-led contributions. Organisations and initiatives can propose and help shape #DemocracyDrinks editions by hosting or co-creating informal, dialogue-led conversations that bring new ideas, perspectives, and questions into the series.

If you have an idea, topic, or emerging issue that would benefit from open exchange in a cross-sector setting, you’re invited to propose an edition.

Before submitting, please review the guidelines for contributing an edition here.

For any questions, send us an email at democracydrinksthehague@gmail.com