Defending Democracy and Human Rights in the Face of War, Nationalism, and Authoritarianism
December 11-12, 2024, Holiday Inn, Skopje, North Macedonia
This event is part of the Week of Human Rights, an initiative of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Day 1, December 11
10:00 [WORKSHOP] Defending Democracy and Human Rights: Challenges and Perspectives (Recommendations)
The first day of the conference is structured to foster open dialogue, networking, and collaboration in a more informal setting. This special workshop invites registered participants to engage in-depth with pressing challenges and perspectives in defending democracy and human rights. Together, attendees will work toward drafting actionable policy recommendations, which will be shared with domestic and international audiences at the conclusion of the conference and included in post-conference outputs.
Registration Requirements: Participation in this workshop is optional. To secure a spot, interested individuals are encouraged to express their interest by December 6. Limited spaces are available. For additional information on this workshop, please contact us at +389 2 5209 176 or civil@civil.org.mk.
13:00 Meeting with the Press
The Meeting with the Press will focus on two key topics: the agenda and importance of this conference in the current socio-political climate, and the milestone anniversary and exhibition, “25 Years of CIVIL,” which showcases CIVIL’s significant contributions and impact in promoting democracy and human rights over the past quarter-century.
13:30 Meetings / networking / interviews
This session offers an open, informal space for participants, speakers, additional invitees from civil society and academia (up to 15 persons to be additionally invited), and media representatives to connect, exchange insights, and discuss collaborative opportunities. It’s a unique chance for attendees to engage directly with key experts and activists, explore potential partnerships, and dive deeper into the themes of democracy, human rights, and media freedom. Journalists will have the opportunity to conduct interviews, while other participants can use this time to strengthen professional networks and share perspectives in a relaxed setting.
Day 2, December 12
- ENGAGEMENT All conference participants are invited to actively engage in the discussions, either from their seats or at the designated speaking booth.
- TIMEFRAME Panel discussions will be moderated to ensure that each speaker has 5-7 minutes for key remarks, followed by an open discussion. Each panel will allocate at least 15 minutes for participants to make 3-minute interventions, comments, or ask questions.
- TIMELINESS Participants are kindly requested to strictly adhere to the allotted time to ensure a smooth and inclusive discussion.
- LANGUAGE The recommended working language of the conference is English. Organizers provide simultaneous interpretation in Macedonian, Albanian and English.
- ATTENDANCE Participation is by invitation only. Individuals who wish to participate, including those who may have been unintentionally overlooked, are welcome to submit a request to join by emailing civil@civil.org.mk no later than December 9. invitation only. Interested individuals may express interest to participate by sending an email to civil@civil.org.mk.
- MEET THE PARTICIPANTS We’ve created a special section featuring short biographical notes and photos of all participants. Curious to learn more about the inspiring individuals shaping the conversation at our event? Visit the PARTICIPANTS section now and explore their backgrounds, expertise, and contributions!
HASHTAG ALERT The official hashtag for our event is #DefendingDemocracy. Use it to join the conversation, share your insights, and connect with others who are passionate about democracy, human rights, and the fight against authoritarianism. Let’s make our voices heard!
09:30 Registration
10:00 Conference Opening
- Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal, European, International Affairs and Media of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery (video)
- H. E. Petra Drexler, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
- H. E. Vilma Dambrauskienė, Ambassador-at-Large, Lithuania
10:20 Introductions
- Wolfgang Ressmann, President, Media Dialogue/Y4M, Germany
- Xhabir Deralla, President, CIVIL, North Macedonia
10:30 Panel 1: Democracy under Siege
A discussion exploring how wars and conflicts undermine democratic institutions and human rights, instill fear and spread disinformation and nationalist propaganda through media.
- Christiane Eilders, University professor, Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf, Germany
- Sasho Ordanoski, Journalist, North Macedonia
- Wolfgang Ressmann, President, Media Dialogue/Y4M, Germany
- Heather Roberson Gaston, human rights expert, USA
Moderator: Xhabir Deralla, CIVIL, North Macedonia
11:15 Coffee break
11:30 Panel 2: The Rise of Far-Right Nationalism
Examining the surge of far-right movements and their impact on democracy and social cohesion: what media and civil society can do – setting basis for further cooperation on an actionable plan and strategy.
- Roger Casale, Scecretary General, New European People´s Forum, Italy
- Kseniya Halubovich, Journalist, German-French Journalist Award 2021, Belarus (in exile)
- Mika Beuster, President of German Union of Journalists, DJV, Germany
- Aleksandar Spasov, Associate Professor in Legal Theory and Philosophy of Law, North Macedonia
- Admir Lisica, regional political relations researcher, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bojan Maričić, civil society activist, expert for EU accession, law and politics, Former Deputy PM for European Affairs and Minister of Justice, North Macedonia
Moderator: Wolfgang Ressmann, President, Media Dialogue/Y4M, Germany
12:45 Side events: exhibition / networking
13:45 Panel 3: Countering Authoritarianism
Speakers discuss various strategies and best practices to resist authoritarian tendencies and strengthen democratic governance. Special focus within this panel will be on media literacy as one of the ways to counter malign operations of influence and antidemocratic trends in our societies.
- Gudrun Steinacker, Vicepresident of the Southeast Europe Association SOG, board member EuroNatur Foundation, former ambassador, Germany
- Erwan Fouéré, Associate Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Policy Studies, Brussels, Belgium
- Kateryna Pavlova, expert on disinformation and propaganda, Ukraine / Germany
- Konstantinas Andrijauskas, University professor, Vilnius University, Lithuania
- Srdjan Cvijić, President, International Advisory Committee of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Serbia
Moderator: Ana Chupeska, University professor, Ss Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia
15:00 Coffee break
15:15 Panel 4: History and future of uncompromising commitment to democracy, human rights, and media freedoms
This panel will examine the past and future of civil society’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and media freedoms. Speakers will explore actions and strategies to empower media and civil society in combating disinformation and promoting democratic values. Additionally, the panel will introduce partner organizations and celebrate the 25th anniversary of CIVIL – Center for Freedom, reflecting on its history, impact, and vision for the future.
- Edward P. Joseph, Conflict Management Expert, John Hopkins University, USA
- Petrit Saracini, media expert, IMA, North Macedonia
- Olha Danyliuk, journalist, Volyna Gazetta, Ukraine
- Astrit Istrefi, political and security analyst, Kosovo
- Doroteja Antić, Program Assistant at the YIHR, Serbia
- Xhabir Deralla, President, CIVIL, North Macedonia
Moderator: Heather Roberson Gaston, human rights expert, USA
16:30 Conclusions
16:45 Farewell (coffee, handouts)