Below you can browse the draft programme of the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy
Join us for an optional pre-tour to learn more about the democratic and political history of Botswana. Registration for the pre-tour is mandatory and subject to a fee – all relevant information can be found here
08:30–08:50 Arrival & Welcome Briefing
Location: University of Botswana (UB Sports Indoor)
08:50–09:00 Transfer to Motho Le Motho Kgomo Monument
09:00–09:20 Botswana’s National Philosophy & Social Values
Location: Motho Le Motho Kgomo Monument
09:20–09:50 Transfer to Gaborone City Council
09:50–10:30 Local Governance & Citizen Participation
Location: Gaborone City Council
10:30–10:40 Transfer to Ntlo ya Dikgosi
10:40–11:30 Traditional Leadership & Consultative Democracy
Location: Ntlo ya Dikgosi (House of Chiefs)
11:30–11:45 Transfer to the Parliament of Botswana
11:45–12:30 Botswana’s Parliamentary Democracy
Location: Parliament of Botswana
12:30–13:15 Transfer to Bahurutshe Cultural Village
13:15–13:45 Traditional Welcome Ceremony & Guided Cultural Experience
Location: Bahurutshe Cultural Village
13:45–14:25 Indigenous Governance Systems, Community Participation & Cultural Heritage
Location: Bahurutshe Cultural Village
14:25–15:25 Traditional Food Tasting, Music & Cultural Performances
Location: Bahurutshe Cultural Village
15:25–16:10 Return to Gaborone
18:30 Welcome Meet-up
Open to all participants - Park 27
Location: UB Conference Centre, 8WMP+2PJ, Jawara, Gaborone, Botswana
08:30–09:00 Democracy Fitness — Morning Warm-Up Workshop
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speakers: Katrin Tober and Achim Wölfel, Mehr Demokratie, Germany
Democracy Fitness treats democratic participation as a set of everyday skills that can be developed and strengthened. Through short, structured exercises, participants practise constructive disagreement, active listening, empathy and courage to engage more effectively in everyday democratic interactions.
09:00-09:20 Welcome Addresses
Location: Plenary Hall
09:20–09:45 Keynote — Hon Minister of State President, Defence and Security Moeti Ceasar Mohwasa
Location: Plenary Hall
09:45–10:45 Panel: Global State of Direct Democracy
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Clara Egger, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Speakers: Raul Magni-Berton, Catholic University of Lille, France, Bruno Kaufmann, Swiss Democracy Foundation, Switzerland, Achim Wölfel, Mehr Demokratie, Germany; Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge, USA; Stanley Ehiane, University of Botswana, Botswana
What is changing in direct democracy around the world – and what is happening closest to citizens? Drawing on the latest edition of The Global State of Direct Democracy, this panel explores recent developments worldwide, with a particular focus on local direct democracy. Panellists bring perspectives from different geographical and institutional contexts to uncover emerging practices, persistent obstacles and lessons that can travel across borders.
10:55–11:15 Democracy Yoga
Location: Outside Patio - First Floor
Speaker: Elisabeth Erlandsson Kaufmann, Sweden
Democracy needs flexibility – and so do we. This participatory yoga session offers a moment to move, breathe and reset amid a packed Global Forum programme, while playfully reflecting on balance, connection and resilience. No previous yoga experience required – just come as you are.
10:55–11:15 From Local Voices to Global Decisions: Lessons from EU for Global
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speaker: Lorenza De Luna, Democracy International, Italy
How can citizens have a meaningful say in decisions that reach beyond national borders? The EU for Global project explored transnational citizen participation by bringing together citizens and residents across eight EU countries to discuss the European Union’s role in the world, with particular attention to voices often underrepresented in political decision-making.
Through local participatory events and a transnational online consultation, participants exchanged perspectives on global challenges and developed concrete recommendations for European decision-makers. The project offers practical lessons on connecting local participation with transnational policymaking, creating inclusive spaces for deliberation, and translating diverse citizens’ perspectives into recommendations for decision-makers.
11:15–11:45 What brings us here?
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Ann-Christine Vossberg-Straw, Swiss Democracy Foundation, Switzerland
An interactive session centred on the people at the Forum – creating space for curiosity, connection and dialogue, and looking ahead to what may emerge over the days ahead.
11:45–12:30 Panel: Political Institutions in Botswana
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Dr Kebapetse Lotshwao, University of Botswana, Botswana
Speakers: Julio S. Solis Arce, Harvard University, USA; Gladys Mokhawa, University of Botswana, Botswana
What makes Botswana’s political institutions resilient, and where do they face pressure? This panel examines the role and strength of the country’s political institutions, with particular attention to traditional institutions and how they interact with contemporary democratic governance. Bringing together research and policy perspectives, the discussion explores what these dynamics mean for the quality and evolution of democracy in Botswana.
13:00–13:20 Showcase: Speaking and Listening: Effective Communication in Democratic Practice
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speaker: Katrin Tober, Mehr Demokratie, Germany
Showcase exploring effective speaking and listening as practical skills for democratic participation.
14:00–15:30 Movie Screening: People. Power. Planet.
Location: Plenary Hall
Across the world, people are standing up for democracy and justice—with courage, resilience, and often at great personal risk. At a time when democracies are increasingly under pressure, People.Power.Planet. tells the powerful stories of four democracy activists from South America.
Their journeys reveal the many faces of civic engagement—and the real impact of participation when individuals take responsibility. Democracy is not abstract. It lives through action, through voices, and through people who choose to get involved.
Be inspired. Get involved. Become part of a living democracy.
14:00–16:00 The World Style of Debate: Active Civic Engagement and African-Centred Democratic Practice
Location: Office Room 1 - Upstairs
Moderator: Rorisang Morwaeng, University of Botswana, Botswana
This workshop uses and teaches the World Style of Debate to foster inclusive civic engagement and active participation in discussions on governance, accountability and development. It connects modern deliberative debate with African indigenous democratic practices such as the Kgotla, creating a space for collective dialogue, critical policy examination and collaborative decision-making.
14:00–17:00 Kgotla in the spotlight: Mochudi Kgotla - Participants who registered for Tlokweng can join this visit.
Location: Mochudi Kgotla
Q&A and plenary discussion with the Chief and Headmen. Observation of a live Kgotla session is subject to feasibility.
14:00–17:00 Kgotla in the spotlight: Kgotla ya Basha — Youth Kgotla
Location: UB Conference Centre, Office Room 2, Upstairs
Host: Active and Human, Botswana
Q&A and discussion exploring youth participation in the Kgotla system.
Location: UB Conference Centre, 8WMP+2PJ, Jawara, Gaborone, Botswana
08:00–08:30 Democracy Fitness — Morning Warm-Up Workshop
Location:
Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speakers: Katrin Tober and Achim Wölfel, Mehr Demokratie, Germany
Democracy Fitness treats democratic participation as a set of everyday skills that can be developed and strengthened. Through short, structured exercises, participants practise constructive disagreement, active listening, empathy and courage to engage more effectively in everyday democratic interactions.
08:30–09:15 Keynote: Children at the Heart of Democracy: Strengthening Participation from an Early Age
Location: Plenary Hall
Speaker: Salvör Nordal, Ombudsman for Children, Iceland
How can children be given a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their lives? Drawing on Iceland’s experience with the Children’s Forum, Youth Councils, young advisory groups and School Councils, this keynote examines the strengths and limitations of different ways to bring children into democratic processes. It explores what it takes to build inclusive platforms that enable diverse groups of children to participate on their own terms and have their perspectives taken seriously.
09:15–10:00 Panel: Linking Citizens’ Input to Parliamentary Work
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Bruno Kaufmann, Swiss Democracy Foundation, Switzerland
Speakers: Hon. Dithapelo Keorapetse, Speaker of the National Assembly, Botswana; Dumelang Saleshando, Leader of the Opposition, Botswana; Daniela Vancic, Democracy International, Germany/USA;
How can citizens have a meaningful say in parliamentary work beyond the ballot box? Bringing together parliamentary, political and civil society perspectives from Botswana, the European Union and beyond, this panel explores how participatory democracy can connect citizens more closely with democratic institutions and policymaking. The discussion will examine what it takes to turn public input into meaningful influence while strengthening engagement and trust.
10:00–10:45 Panel: Elections
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Leonard Sesa, University of Botswana, Botswana
Speakers: Batlang Seabo, University of Botswana, Botswana; Jeremy Seekings, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Sonia Galebolae, Botswana Center for Public Integrity; Hilda Modisane, Southern African Development Community, Botswana
This panel examines the role of credible, well-administered elections in sustaining public trust and democratic resilience across the region. Drawing on Botswana’s electoral experience alongside comparative cases from SADC and beyond, panellists discuss election management, voter participation and safeguards against democratic erosion. The session connects these experiences to the Forum’s focus on strengthening institutions and regional democratic cooperation.
10:55–11:15 Democracy Yoga
Location: Outside Patio - First Floor
Speaker: Elisabeth Erlandsson Kaufmann, Sweden
Democracy needs flexibility – and so do we. This participatory yoga session offers a moment to move, breathe and reset amid a packed Global Forum programme, while playfully reflecting on balance, connection and resilience. No previous yoga experience required – just come as you are.
10:55–11:15 Interactive Case Study: Consul Democracy Platform
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speaker: Simon Strohmenger, Consul Foundation, Germany
Can digital tools strengthen rather than replace democratic participation? This session explores how Nairobi County is combining its new Consul Democracy platform with established community engagement practices to create more inclusive, transparent and accessible decision-making. The session shares practical lessons on implementation, institutional coordination and building trust in digital participation.
11:15–11:30 Keynote: Referendum Integrity Globally - with a focus on Africa
Location: Plenary Hall
Speaker: Norbert Kersting, University of Münster, Germany
What makes a referendum fair – and what happens when the process is open to manipulation or misuse? Drawing on the global Direct Democracy Integrity Index, this keynote explores how referendum integrity can be measured across countries and where both risks and good practices are emerging. It will also examine how direct and deliberative democracy can work together to strengthen the quality and legitimacy of democratic decision-making.
11:30–12:15 Panel: Citizens and Natural Resources: Shared Governance Across the Resource Exploitation Chain
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Dr Bashi Mothusi, University of Botswana, Botswana
Speakers: Gram Matenga, International IDEA; Emmanuel Mogende, University of Botswana, Botswana; Dorcas Norupiri, Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union, Zimbabwe; Marcella Nery, Delibera Brasil, Brazil
Who gets a say in how natural resources are managed, from extraction to the benefits they generate? Through practical case studies from different regions, this panel explores how citizens, workers, communities and other stakeholders can participate more meaningfully across the resource exploitation chain. The discussion will examine approaches to building stakeholder capacity, strengthening inclusive governance and creating a community of practice around natural resource management.
12:15–13:00 Panel: Networks for Democracy - Building Resilience Across Borders
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Caroline Vernaillen, Democracy International, Belgium
Speakers: Giovanni Allegretti, Centre for Social Studies at Coimbra University, Portugal; Greta Rios, People Powered, Mexico; Marcalla Nery, Delibera Brasil, Brazil; Andreas Müller, Democracy International, Germany; Thilo Schöne, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, Botswana
How can networks and communities of practice strengthen democracy in the face of democratic backsliding? Drawing on insights from the Nets4Dem project, this session explores how networks working on participation and deliberation are adapting their practices, structures and relationships to build democratic resilience. Moving beyond a Eurocentric perspective, the discussion will ask what stronger South–North collaboration can bring to this work and what networks across regions can learn from one another.
13:35-13:55 Showcase: A Live Two-Round Negative Vote Simulation
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speaker: Sam Chang, Negative Vote Association, Taiwan; Balanced Ballot Alliance, USA
This showcase introduces the concept of negative voting and considers how it could strengthen democratic legitimacy and increase participation.
The audience will participate in two live hypothetical voting scenarios and see the results instantly.
14:00–15:00 Fishbowl discussion: Ubuntu People’s Parliament
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Galaletsang Dintsi, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, Botswana
Speakers: Dorcas Norupiri, Zimbabwe; Abubakar Jaafar, Nigeria
What would democratic institutions look like if they were built around participation, dialogue and the principle of ubuntu – “I am because we are”? The Ubuntu People’s Parliament explores a model of community co-governance in which citizens move beyond periodic voting to take a more direct role in deliberation, accountability and local policymaking. This session examines how African democratic traditions and contemporary participatory practices can come together to rethink how democratic power is shared.
14:00–15:00 Workshop: Strengthening Youth Participation and Intergenerational Collaboration for Modern Direct Democratic Renewal
Location: Committee Room 1
Speakers: Neville Sechele, University of Botswana SRC, Botswana; Acur Emmanuel, Lystra Foundation, Uganda; Emmanuel Sani, Promed Infotech Foundation, Nigeria
This interactive workshop explores how strengthening youth leadership and civic agency can contribute to more inclusive youth participation and intergenerational collaboration in modern direct democracy. It examines how democratic platforms can create meaningful opportunities for young people to participate, influence decisions and engage across generations while advancing accountability, responsive governance and democratic renewal.
14:00–15:00 Workshop: Life as an Activist: Skills, Solidarity and Resilience
Location: Office 1 - Upstairs
Speakers: Josephine Schnee, Democracy International, Germany; Marcella Nery, Delibera Brasil, Brazil
What does it mean to be a democracy activist in a time of democratic backsliding?
Activists are working in increasingly difficult environments, facing shrinking civic space, polarisation, and growing pressure on civil society. Different forms of activism face different challenges, but they also depend on one another.
This workshop invites participants to reflect on their experiences, identify the skills they need, and collectively build an activist skill set for challenging times.
14:00–15:00 Workshop: Participatory workshop: Advocating for Democracy in Uncertain Times
Location: Office 2 - Upstairs
Speakers: Clara Egger, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
This open, participatory workshop widens the lens from direct democracy specifically to democracy promotion more broadly. In a moment when democratic institutions face mounting pressure worldwide, participants — practitioners, advocates, researchers, and citizens alike — will work together to identify concrete strategies for defending and advancing democratic practice, whether through direct democracy tools, institutional reform, or civic mobilization. The session will surface shared challenges (institutional resistance, resourcing, shrinking civic space, public disengagement) and shared opportunities across contexts, aiming to produce practical takeaways participants can bring back to their own work.
15:30–16:30 Panel: Are Mandatory Referendums a Democratic Improvement? Exploring Types and Classifications of Mandatory Referendums with the Navigator to Direct Democracy
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Raul Magni-Berton, Catholic University of Lille, France
Speakers: David Altman, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Chile; David Sebudubudu, University of Botswana, Botswana; Harijaona Andriamoraniaina, National Election Observatory, Madagascar
When does requiring a referendum strengthen democracy – and when does it simply add a vote without improving democratic quality? Drawing on cases documented in the Navigator to Direct Democracy, this panel explores the different forms mandatory referendums can take. The discussion will examine the conditions under which they contribute to democratic development and where their limitations become apparent.
15:30–16:30 Workshop: Natural Resource & Democratic Governance: The Democracy Lab
Location: Committee Room 1
Speakers: Gabriel Brezoiu & Lina Boicu, Group of the European Youth for Change, Romania; Daniela Vancic, Democracy International, Germany/USA
An interactive Democracy Design Lab blending Kgotla-style consensus circles with a live European Citizens’ Initiative simulation. Mixed taskforces co-draft a water governance initiative, stress-test its legal viability and conclude with a symbolic signing ceremony, linking direct democracy practice to the 2026 UN Water Conference.
15:30–16:30 Workshop: Young Voices, Local Action: Engaging Youth and Women in Community Climate Solutions
Location: Office 1 - Upstairs
Speaker: Boikobo Makaba, Mpho Thelma Smith, Miss Earthlife Africa International, Botswana
This session explores how young people, particularly women, can drive meaningful climate action within their communities through local, practical solutions. It highlights the power of youth-led initiatives, collaboration, and sustainable innovation in addressing environmental challenges such as plastic pollution and responsible resource management.
Participants will gain insight into how grassroots action can influence broader environmental change, strengthen community participation, and inspire collective responsibility. The session will be interactive, encouraging participants to share ideas, reflect on challenges within their own communities, and identify practical actions they can take forward.
16:30–17:30 Panel: Direct Democracy and Self-Determination: Can Citizens’ Referendums Help Resolve Stateless and Disputed Nations?
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Dane Waters, Citizens in Charge, USA
Speakers: Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge, USA; Sulakha Hassan, Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies and Research Analysis, Somaliland; Sam Chang, Negative Vote Association, Taiwan; Balanced Ballot Alliance, USA
Can direct democracy offer a peaceful way to navigate competing claims to self-determination, sovereignty and statehood? Drawing on experiences from Somaliland, the Khalistan referendum initiative and other contested contexts, this panel examines how referendums can be used when the political status of a people or territory remains unresolved. Panellists will explore their potential and limitations, including questions of participation, legitimacy, recognition and what happens after a vote.
16:30–17:30 Workshop: Practical Design Template to Imagine Democratic Units Inside Real-Life Institutions
Location: Committee Room 1
Speakers: Ann-Christine Vossberg-Straw, Swiss Democracy Foundation, Switzerland; Delia Bazzigher, Swiss Democracy Foundation, Switzerland: Motlatsi Mogorosi, Active and Human, Botswana
What can Botswana’s kgotla tradition teach us about bringing democracy closer to everyday life? In this hands-on workshop, participants will design small democratic units for settings such as schools, neighbourhoods, associations and local services, exploring how people can initiate issues, deliberate, influence decisions and see what happens next. Together, they will test how local democratic traditions can inspire forms of participation that are practical, repeatable and consequential.
16:30–17:30 Workshop: What makes democracy resilient? Stress-testing the ecosystem of democracy.
Location: Office 1
Speaker: Anna Proskurina, Democracy International, Ukraine; Lorenza De Luna, Democracy International, Italy
What makes democracy resilient in times of crisis? Through a practical, interactive exercise, participants will explore how different actors contribute to democratic resilience and how their roles work together as a system. Together, we will identify how resilience can be built before a crisis hits, enabling democracies to withstand disruption, adapt and recover.
Walk over to Court Five
18:30 - 19:00 Arrival and Registration
Ms. Lovey Ramotlhala, FES Programme Assistant
19:00- 19:10 Welcome Remarks
Mr. Thilo Schöne, FES Resident Representative
19:10- 19:20 Remarks
Andreas Müller, Managing Director, Democracy International
19:20 - 19:30 Poem
Motlatsi Mogorosi, Active and Human, Botswana
19:30 - 20:00 Keynote Address
Dr. Alice Mogwe, Director- DITSHWANELO- The Botswana Centre for Human Rights, Honorary President - International Federation for Human Rights for FES
20:00 - 20:10 Closing Remarks
Gladys Mokhawa, University of Botswana, Botswana
20:10 Networking session
Location: UB Conference Centre, 8WMP+2PJ, Jawara, Gaborone, Botswana
08:00–08:30 Democracy Fitness — Morning Warm-Up Workshop
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speakers: Katrin Tober and Achim Wölfel, Mehr Demokratie, Germany
Democracy Fitness treats democratic participation as a set of everyday skills that can be developed and strengthened. Through short, structured exercises, participants practise constructive disagreement, active listening, empathy and courage to engage more effectively in everyday democratic interactions.
08:30–09:15 Keynote: Memory, Hope and the Birth of a New Order
Location: Plenary Hall
Speaker: Namatai Kwekweza
Namatai Kwekweza, 2025 German Africa Award laureate and founder of WELEAD Africa, presents her keynote lecture “MEMENTO: Memory, Hope and the Birth of a New Order” on global power shifts and youth-led leadership, followed by moderated dialogue. Presented by the International Youth Think Tank in partnership with WELEAD Africa and the German Africa Foundation.
09:15–10:00 Panel: Citizen-Led Constitutional Reform
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Lesedi Tlotlo Moagi, Law Society Botswana, Botswana
Speakers: Tinatin Khidasheli, Civic Idea, Georgia; Salvör Nordal, University of Iceland, Iceland; Daniel Schily, Democracy International, Germany; Obonnye Jonas, University of Botswana, Botswana
Panel discussion on citizen-led constitutional reform and the role of participatory and direct democratic approaches in processes of institutional and constitutional change on the national level, in Georgia, Iceland and Botswana, and on the transnational level, such as in the European Union.
10:00–10:45 Panel: Perspectives for Direct Democracy in the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU)
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Raul Magni-Berton, Catholic University of Lille, France
Speakers: Dr Kebapetse Lotshwao, University of Botswana, Botswana; Clara Egger, Erasmus University Rotterdam, France; Siyabulela Jentile, Civic Root Advocacy, South Africa; Cecillia Makonyola, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Malawi.
Europe and Africa offer contrasting environments for democratic innovation. While democracy is deeply embedded in the EU’s institutional framework, many African countries are undergoing rapid political change, creating both opportunities and risks for participation. This session explores where direct and participatory democracy may develop and how the two continents can learn from each other’s experiences.
10:55–11:15 Interactive Case Study: The Omnibus for Direct Democracy
Location: Outside Patio - Ground Floor
Speaker: Elias Franz, Omnibus für direkte Demokratie, Germany
The OMNIBUS for Direct Democracy has been travelling across Europe and Germany since 1987, advocating for greater citizen participation and the right to shape society through direct democracy and referendums. Rooted in art and the belief that everyone has a role in shaping our collective future, the initiative sees democracy as a shared, creative responsibility. In this session, we will explore how direct democracy can strengthen participation and help build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
11:15–12:00 Panel: Last Chance for Global Governance
Location: Plenary Hall
Moderator: Josephine Schnee, Democracy International, Germany
Speakers: Frank Lekaba, Democracy Without Borders, South Africa; Caroline Vernaillen, Democracy International, Belgium; Keneilwe Mapena, University of Botswana, Botswana; Gladys Mokhawa, University of Botswana, Botswana and former Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations
A moderated panel exploring UN-level citizen participation tools such as a World Citizens’ Initiative and Global Citizens’ Assemblies, taking inspiration from existing tools of participatory democracy on the national level and in the EU. Combining polling and open dialogue, the session considers their viability in the context of democratic backsliding and restrictions on civic space.
12:00–12:45 Closing Plenary: A Letter from Botswana to the World
12:45–13:00 Announcements
13:00–13:15 Closing Remarks & Farewell
Do you have anything you'd like to contribute to our programme? Please write to info@2026globalforum.com.
