We are in a time of transition for democracy: All over the world, NGOs, governments and businesses are rethinking democratic processes, participation opportunities and forms of organization. At the same time, democracy as a form of governance is under pressure in many places. The fundamental question is who has the power to create the necessary societal changes of the future. At the Academy, we believe that positive change begins with all of us.

For Open Academy 2024, we brought together 100 engaged leaders from across society to explore new perspectives and practice democratization together.

Below you will find excerpts and interviews from the day.

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The new civic role

At the Open Academy, we were inspired by each other and by three powerful speakers, each with their own story of democratic participation.

Climate activist Elise Sydendal said, among other things, that necessary changes cannot always be achieved within the agreed framework. "Power is a zero-sum game. And if you really want to involve young people, you have to give up some of your own influence."

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British democracy thinker and founder of The New Citizen Project Jon Alexander described how we can move out of today's passive consumer role and rediscover our identity as participatory citizens with strong, reciprocal relationships and communities.

‍ Read the Academy's interview with him here

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UCPH Professor Lars Tønder talked about how other species practice democracy - and what we as humans can learn from thinking like honeybees. Swarms of bees make highly complex decisions collectively through knowledge sharing and without a clear leader, he emphasized."Just like honeybees, society's ability to survive may depend on our curiosity and communication across social and political divides."

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The good conversation

After the powerful presentations, participants gathered in Thorvaldsen's beautiful courtyard to engage in the classic discipline of deliberation: finding common understanding through good conversations. Democracy advisor Zakia Elvang provided expert guidance and a number of the Akademists hosted conversations on everything from education and democratic leadership to broader inclusion and democratization of welfare.

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Here, three conversation hosts talk about their choice of conversation questions:

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Mads Lyager, Mentor Child

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Dorte Nørregaard, Knowledge Center for Disability

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Jan Sørensen, Boldklubben Skjold