Democracy in the Balance: How Can We Reignite Youth Engagement?

Democracy is being faced with the dilemma of how to deal with current anti-democratic threats while maintaining legitimacy. The Nordic countries traditionally subscribe to the classic democratic pillars: free and fair elections, active citizenship, freedom of speech and press and equality.” But when the tendency is that the world is turning its back to democracy, what, then, is to be done?

With the theme: Democracy in the Balance: How Can We Reignite Youth Engagement?”, the Nordic Council of Ministers is hosting a seminar on May 27th from 16:30 – 18:00 GMT at Nordic House in Reykjavik

Frame of Discussion:
Can democracy exclude critical voices and at the same time maintain its credibility? How do misinformation and polarisation affect our ability to lead a constructive democratic debate?  And most important of all, the future: How can we make sure that this, and the next generation of Nordic youths are engaged in democracy in an era marked by misinformation and distrust? Have youths become an easily affected target group for undemocratic forces as a result of algorithms, social media, and echo chambers?

In the start of the 18th century John Adams said:” There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide.” The question remains – was he right?

The event will take place in English

This event will be live-streamed with the following link: https://vimeo.com/thenordichouse

Free Entry 

Program:

• Opening words: Jonas Hammer, intern at the Nordic House, master’s student in political science at the University of Aarhus, and organizer of the event.
• Presentation by: Maximillian Conrad, Professor at the University of Iceland, RECLAIM – Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age.
• Presentation by: Skúli Bragi Geirdal – Director of SAFT – Icelandic Cyber Security Centre
• Panel discussion with:
  • Maximillian Conrad: Professor at the University of Iceland (RECLAIM – Reclaiming Liberal Democracy in the Postfactual Age)
  • Tinna Isebarn, Secretary General, National Youth Council of Iceland
  • Heiðrún Vala Hilmarsdóttir, Youth representative – Amnesty International
  • Skúli Bragi Geirdal – Director of SAFT – Icelandic Cyber Security Centre
  • Lóa Björk Björnsdóttir, Radio Host and journalist at Rás 1

Moderator: Jón Gunnar Ólafsson, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Iceland.

The event is organized by Jonas Hammer, intern at the Nordic House and master’s student in political science at the University of Aarhus.

Accessibility in Elissa Auditorium is good, there is a low threshold into the hall. On the same floor is a toilet with good access and changing facilities. There is a ramp leading to the Nordic House from the parking lot, and an automatic button at the main door. Further questions about accessibility can be sent to: kolbrun(at)nordichouse.is