Gaborone, Botswana | 7–10 October 2026 | Indigenous. Resilient. Empowering.
Did you know that in Botswana, every village has a Kgotla – a traditional, regular open-air assembly where citizens gather with their leader to speak their minds and shape decisions together?
Get ready – we’re going to Africa!
In October 2026, as the jacarandas bloom in vibrant purple, we’ll gather in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, for the first-ever Global Forum in Southern Africa — the world’s largest gathering on participatory and direct democracy.
Together with local and international partners, we’ll meet at the University of Botswana, a truly democratic institution founded through the collective contributions of citizens — cows, goats, chickens, and all — and explore how Botswana’s unique political landscape opens new perspectives for democracy worldwide.
What to Expect:
The 2026 Global Forum will explore how indigenous institutions like the Kgotla can inspire modern participatory democracy, while spotlighting citizens' roles in constitutional reform, youth inclusion, and climate justice. We'll examine how direct democracy and citizen participation can shape fair resource governance and strengthen democratic resilience across borders.
More than a conference, the Forum will be a hands-on experience — with community visits, intergenerational dialogue, and voices from across Africa and the world with an optional pre-tour on 6-7 October 2026.
Mark your calendar and join us in Gaborone! Registration opens soon!
