The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind

“We must find the courage within ourselves to preserve the planet, protect human dignity, and provide opportunity for people everywhere. This road will be long, but with artists and filmmakers helping to light the way, I know we will get there together.”

The President of the United States of America Joe Biden

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Calls for Global Solidarity in the Defense of Human Rights and Democracy

In a powerful address at the World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind on 18 & 19 Feb 2024, 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon articulated the fundamental interconnections among peace, security, economic development, and human rights, as outlined in the United Nations Charter.

Secretary Hillary Clinton Discusses Global Challenges and U.S. Politics at The World Forum

Gordon Brown Calls for Action Against Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan at The World Forum

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivered a powerful speech at The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind, highlighting the severe violations of girl’s and women’s rights in Afghanistan. Describing it as "one of the greatest injustices of our times," Mr. Brown detailed the systematic gender persecution enacted by the Taliban regime since their return to power in August 2021.

Sir Bob Geldof Calls for Action at The World Forum, Criticizes Standard Conference Inefficacies

In a stirring address at The World Forum, Sir Bob Geldof, founder of Live Aid, voiced a powerful critique of conventional conferences and underscored the urgency of actionable commitments over mere discussions. He expressed his weariness with the typical cycle of speeches and rhetoric, which he believes fail to incite real change. "I am tired of speeches. I am tired of listening. I'm tired of rhetoric," Mr. Geldof stated, challenging the audience to move beyond passive expressions of concern.

Nadya Tolokonnikova Commemorates Alexey Navalny at The World Forum

In a poignant speech at The World Forum , Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot led a commemoration for Alexey Navalny, the late Russian opposition leader.

Returning from a demonstration at the Russian embassy, she recounted the peaceful protest attended by dozens of Russian women. "Dressed in our signature balaclavas and holding banners with a single word, 'murderers' (убийства), we remembered Alexey Navalny, not as he died in his Arctic prison but as he was silenced by murder," she stated.

President Biden Congratulates Secretary Clinton and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Receiving the Cinema for Peace Award

At the World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech and Humankind on 18 & 19 February 2024, organized by Cinema for Peace in Berlin, Sharon Stone quoted a message from a letter by President Joe Biden to Cinema for Peace. In his letter, President Biden extended heartfelt congratulations to Secretary Hillary Clinton and Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for receiving the prestigious Cinema for Peace Award. He praised the award as a testament to their lifelong commitment to promoting democracy and peace globally. President Biden also emphasized the significant role of cinema in reflecting our humanity and advancing societal change. He commended the Cinema for Peace Foundation for its work in highlighting films that address critical global challenges, reinforcing the power of the arts in fostering a more just and peaceful world.

Sharon Stone: "I am honored to read a sentence from a letter from President Biden: 'We must find the courage within ourselves to preserve the planet, protect human dignity, and provide opportunity for people everywhere. This road will be long, but with artists and filmmakers helping to light the way, I know we will get there together.'"