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Denver Democracy Summit

A dynamic, annual gathering of global changemakers, the Denver Democracy Summit brings together top leaders, visionaries, and activists committed to advancing democracy worldwide. As a cornerstone of freedom, justice, and opportunity, democracy plays a vital role in shaping societies everywhere. Through powerful conversations and thought-provoking panels, the summit explores innovative solutions, fosters collaboration, and reinforces the importance of democratic values in building a more just and equitable future for all.

The Power of Academic Expertise

Strong democracies rely on informed action. The summit bridges academic expertise with real-world challenges, ensuring research and data shape the conversations—and solutions—that move democracy forward. By combining expert insights with policy and practice, the summit equips leaders and community members with the knowledge needed to address democracy’s most pressing challenges.

Bridging Divides Through Constructive Dialogue

Progress depends on open, respectful conversations. The summit fosters dialogue across diverse perspectives, challenging assumptions and sparking solutions that strengthen democracy. By creating space for honest and informed discussions, it encourages collaboration across political, cultural, and ideological lines to find common ground.

From Local to Global: Democracy in Action

Democracy is shaped at all levels, from local communities to global institutions. The Denver Democracy Summit connects local and global thought leaders, activists, and experts to explore how democratic principles take shape and the collective efforts needed to sustain them. By examining diverse models of governance, the summit highlights both the challenges and opportunities that shape democracy worldwide.

Thought Leaders, Changemakers, & Visionaries

Through insightful discussions between experts, the summit fosters meaningful dialogue on global challenges and opportunities. Check out some of our most notable speakers from past summits to see the influential voices that have shaped these conversations.

Headshot of Maria Ressa.

Maria Ressa

Nobel Laureate, Co-Founder and CEO of Rappler

Headshot of Ravi Agrawal

Ravi Agrawal

Editor-in-Chief at Foreign Policy Magazine

Watch Previous Summits

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Headshot of Jamelle Bouie.

Jamelle Bouie

New York Times Opinion Columnist

Headshot of Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield

Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations

2025 Summit

The Josef Korbel School of International Studies hosted its 5th Annual Denver Democracy Summit — which included three webinars and a final summit from January 23 - 24, 2025, all streamed to a worldwide virtual audience.

Emerging from a global election year, the 2025 Denver Democracy Summit featured a dynamic gathering of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities for democracy today. From rebuilding trust in government and navigating the complexities of misinformation to exploring the global impacts of migration and rising nationalism, this summit engaged participants in critical conversations about democracy’s future.

Watch Day 1
Watch Day 2

Previous Summits

2024 Democracy Series  and Summit

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2023 Democracy Summit

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2022 Democracy Summit

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2021 Democracy Summit

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