Info Pack

Welcome to the Information Pack for the 2026 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy in Botswana.

Here you will find essential details to help you prepare for your trip and participation in the Forum. This information will be continuously updated as we move closer to the event, so we encourage you to check back regularly for the latest updates.

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Botswana is often regarded as one of Africa’s most successful democracies. This makes it a particularly meaningful location for hosting the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy.

The country is internationally recognized for its commitment to good governance, sustainable development, and the rule of law. Beyond its political relevance, Botswana is also famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Gaborone, the capital city and host of the Global Forum, is the country’s political and economic center. While relatively small and easy to navigate, it offers a vibrant mix of modern infrastructure, local culture, and access to nature.

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Image source: iStock (2024), photo by poco_bw (Stock photo ID: 2124962917)

A long-standing tradition of democratic governance. The FES Democracy Hub Africa, including the Gaborone Democracy Lab is one of many projects that Botswana is involved in FES Democracy Hub Africa
The Okavango Delta – one of the world’s largest inland deltas
National parks and wildlife (elephants, lions, diverse ecosystems)

A welcoming and safe environment for international visitors
Three Dikgosi Monument (symbolizing Botswana’s leadership history)
National Museum & Art Gallery: Showcases Botswana’s history, art, and culture

Local craft markets and cultural centers

Kgale Hill (popular for hiking and city views)

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a conservation area located just south of Gaborone. It offers an accessible wildlife experience with species such as giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The reserve provides game drives, guided walks, and environmental education activities. From the University of Botswana, it is about a 20–25 minute drive
The Manyana Rock Paintings: A collection of rock art and caves located at the Kolobeng hills
Main Mall: Bustling hub for shopping, cafes, and street vendors

Blending rich political relevance with extraordinary natural beauty, Botswana stands as both a place of importance and a source of inspiration – an exceptional setting for our Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy.

The Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy 2026 will bring together citizens, experts, practitioners, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss and shape the future of democratic participation.

The Forum focuses on:

Citizen participation and democratic innovation

Direct democracy tools and practices

Inclusion, representation, and governance

Global exchange of ideas and best practices

Participants can expect:

Panel discussions with international experts

Interactive workshops and co-creation sessions

Networking opportunities across sectors and countries

Presentations of real-world democratic initiatives

University of Botswana campus: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rx8eQFzXCU7LHYAm8
It is recommended to book your accommodation close by.

A key principle of the Forum is active participation. Participants are not only attendees but contributors.

You are invited to:

Submit your own ideas and topics

Propose Workshops, Panel discussions, Interactive sessions

Share experiences from your own country or work

The goal is to co-create the Forum together and ensure that diverse perspectives are included.

Registration will open alongside the call for proposals and is open to all.

Participants can:

Submit ideas for topics, panels and workshops
Indicate how they would like to contribute

A registration fee of up to 50 EUR will apply. However, this fee will be returned to participants in the form of vouchers for activities in Botswana.

Visa: Many nationalities (including EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check https://evisa.gov.bw/#/ or your local embassy for updates.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
COVID-19: As of now, no restrictions, but check for updates before travel.

We strongly recommend:

Checking the official Botswana immigration website

Starting the visa process early

Visa assistance from the organizers:

Indicate during registration if you require a visa

We can provide an official invitation letter

The visa application process remains the responsibility of the participant!

Vaccinations: Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country. Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Tetanus.
Malaria: Present in the north (Okavango Delta, Chobe). For these areas prophylaxis recommended.
Water: Drink bottled or purified water.

If you are travelling to Botswana from areas where Yellow Fever is endemic, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, no other immunisations are required.

However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine, and a Hepatitis A vaccine.

Furthermore, depending on your destination within Botswana and the time of year you wish to travel, it may be advisable to visit a travel medicine clinic in your home country to establish if further vaccinations are required/advised.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/botswana#stay-healthy-and-safe