President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton Turn The World Forum and Berlin into the Center of the World 

 by opening The World Forum and meeting Chancellors Scholz & Merkel, Merz, President Macron, and Tony Blair

Berlin - The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, AI / Tech and Humankind on 18 & 19 March opened with contributions by Pope Francis, US President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President of Taiwan Lai Ching-te, Heads of States of Kosovo, Israel, Palestine, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Romania, Tunisia, Moldova, and Lithuania, Nobel Peace Laureates Maria Ressa & Oleksandra Mathviichuk, Co-Godfather of AI Yoshua Bengio, the "President of Russia in-exile" Vladimir Kara-Murza, the High Representative for Bosnia Christian Schmidt and the Founder of The World Forum & Cinema for Peace Jaka Bizilj.

President Clinton: “How you behave when you don’t win - that’s democracy”

US President Bill Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025

President Bill Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025 in Berlin: “The most important thing about democracy is how it works when you don’t win,” he said. “It’s about the rule of law being greater than the rule of will.”

President Clinton reflected on the rise of identity politics, inequality, and information bubbles that fuel division and resentment. “The information ecosystem today is bizarre,” he said. “People feel like victims. But democracy is hard work. You’ve got to win now and then to be heard, and you’ve got to connect with people - especially those who disagree.”

Hillary Clinton: "Autocracy is on the march"

Secretary Hillary Clinton opening remarks at The World Forum 2025

Secretary Hillary Clinton delivered a passionate opening remarks at The World Forum 2025, on the global threat of autocracy, disinformation, and technological manipulation. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” she said. “Autocracy is on the march - and we now have a U.S. government that has thrown in its lot with the autocrats.”

Secretary Clinton highlighted the danger of algorithm-driven disinformation that addicts and divides societies. “Algorithms addict us and poison us with hatred and fear,” she warned. Quoting fellow Forum speakers Maria Ressa, Natalia Gavrilița, and David Sinclair, she emphasized the need for renewed civic education and the revival of civic virtue to protect freedom and self-governance.

President of Taiwan Congratulates The World Forum

“I greatly admire your dedication to the preservation of such universal values, as well as the positive contributions you have made to the global community.”— President Lai Ching-te

We are honored to share a heartfelt congratulatory message from President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan to The World Forum, held on March 18–19, 2025. His message was distributed to all participants of the Forum, including world leaders such as President Bill Clinton and various heads of state.

In his official message to The World Forum, President Lai praised the event’s commitment to strengthening global dialogue on democracy, the rule of law, freedom, and peace.

“I greatly admire your dedication to the preservation of such universal values, as well as the positive contributions you have made to the global community.” - President Lai Ching-te

Geoffrey Robertson Calls for
World Security Council at The World Forum

Opening statement by Geoffrey Robertson at The World Forum 2025

In a powerful opening statement at The World Forum 2025, Geoffrey Robertson KC called for the creation of a World Security Council - a new alliance of democracies committed to defending liberal values, human rights, and the international rule of law.

With the U.S. retreating from its global leadership role, Robertson urged 125 ICC-member democracies and others to form a Democratic Union: a body with a Charter of Rights, a Constitutional Court, and the courage to protect democracies under threat.

Women’s Leadership: Less Conflict, More Prosperity

Hillary Clinton
US Secretary of State

Natalia Gavrilita
Prime Minister of Moldova (2021-2023)

Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu
President of Kosovo

Katarzyna Pisarska
Co-Founder of the Warsaw Security Forum

Dalia Grybauskaite
President of Lithuania
(2009-2019)

Maria Ressa
Nobel Peace laureate & Founder of Rappler

At The World Forum in March 2025, global female leaders convened for a compelling and timely discussion on “Women’s Leadership: Less Conflict, More Prosperity.” Against the backdrop of rising authoritarianism, wars, and democratic erosion, this panel explored how women’s leadership not only advances gender equality but also fosters peace, prosperity, and better governance outcomes. Moderated by Dr. Katarzyna Pisarska, Co-Founder of the Warsaw Security Forum, the discussion featured Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of Kosovo, Dalia Grybauskaitė, Former President of Lithuania, Natalia Gavrilița, Former Prime Minister of Moldova, Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and journalist.

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

“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

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.

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

Inaugural speech by 8th UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at The World Forum

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.

World's Leading Philosopher
Yuval Noah Harari Contributes to The World Forum

Historian, Philosopher and Bestselling Author Sapiens, Yuval Noah Harari Addresses The World Forum

​​How Technology Can Help Humans Flourish

In his powerful address to The World Forum, Professor Yuval Noah Harari examines the critical intersection of technology and politics, urging us to harness technological advancements to strengthen democracy and human agency. He challenges us to redefine our roles from passive observers to active creators in shaping a politically empowered future. Watch his compelling speech to explore how innovative technologies can be pivotal in advancing freedom and enhancing governance globally.

Special Mission Accomplished to Save Lives of Dissidents in Russian Prison

From top left to right: Russian opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, corporate security executive and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, Lilia Chanysheva, former coordinator of regional offices of the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny,  former head of Open Russia movement Andrei Pivovarov, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gerskhovich, co-chair of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Memorial Human Rights Centre Oleg Orlov, government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Tatar-Bashkir service Alsu Kurmasheva, Russian opposition activist and former municipal deputy of the Krasnoselsky district Ilya Yashin,  artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko.

Fearing for the lives of Vladimir Kara-Murza and others wrongfully kept in prison in Russia and Belarus – especially after the death of Alexei Navalny – Cinema for Peace founder Jaka Bizilj initiated a prisoners' exchange of Kara-Murza, Evan Gershkovic, Paul Whelan and others by sending former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder‘s confidant Detlef Prinz to the German chancellory, to Moscow and to Istanbul in order to strike a deal, after all official negotiations had failed for more than a year. While bureaucrats endangered the objectives of this mission again, which involved several governments, courageous heads of state like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with Minister of Justice Dr. Marco Buschmann, and particularly President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proved effective. Two weeks later US President Joe Biden and Chancellor Scholz announced the exchange of prisoners. We thank Detlef Prinz for masterfully executing a ‘‘mission impossible“ for Cinema for Peace and The World Forum in a rare and small window of opportunity.

PEACE PLAN FOR UKRAINE

Click below to read the 10-Point Ceasefire Agreement between Russia and Ukraine, written by Jaka Bizilj, Founder and Chairman of Cinema for Peace and The World Forum.

DISCLAIMER & ETHICS OF CONDUCT IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA AGE

The World Forum was Held by the Cinema for Peace Foundation and its Partners

For the past two decades, the Cinema for Peace Foundation has hosted over one billion participants, initiated more than 20 films, and raised more than $10 million for humanitarian efforts. The Cinema for Peace has collaborated with over a hundred of Academy Award winning artists; more than 30 heads of state; ministers and elected officials; and iconic human rights activists including Nelson Mandela, The Dalai Lama, Muhammad Ali, and Mikhail Gorbachev. 

The Cinema for Peace Foundation also contributed to protecting the lives and freedoms of dissidents such as Alexei Navalny, Ai Weiwei, and Pussy Riot. The foundation’s dedication to upholding human rights triggered the liberation of Burmese comedian Zarganar after the release of the documentary film, The Prison Where I Live. Films such as this have inspired open and solution-focused dialogue at The World Forum to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Leonardo DiCaprio & Mikhail Gorbachev introducing the International Green Award at the Cinema for Peace Gala.

The ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo at the Justice Gala by Cinema for Peace in New York.

Nicole Kidman as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador with ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda at Cinema for Peace.

UN SG Ban Ki-moon receiving the Justitia Award on behalf of the UN by Cinema for Peace in Kampala.

Cinema For Peace Gala 2024
Honours Pope Francis, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, UN SG Ban Ki-moon, Helen Mirren, and the World's Most Influential Filmmakers with Sharon Stone, Pussy Riot, Sir Bob Geldof, Ann Curry, Ukrainian Nobel Peace Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and 102-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Margot Friedländer

Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock and Sharon Stone present The Cinema for Peace Honorary Award to Secretary Hillary Clinton

Speakers at The World Forum

  • Bill Clinton

    42nd President of the United States

  • Ban Ki-moon

    The 8th Secretary-General of the
    United Nations

  • Hillary Rodham Clinton

    First Lady & U.S. Secretary of State
    (2009 - 2013)

  • Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia

    President of the Pontifical Academy for Life

  • Gordon Brown

    Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2007-2010)

  • Yoshua Bengio

    Co-Godfather of AI

  • Maria Ressa

    Nobel Peace Laureate & Founder of Rappler

  • Geoffrey Robertson

    World’s Leading Human Rights Lawyer

  • Vladimir Kara-Murza

    Russian “President in-exile”

  • Vjosa Osmani

    President of Kosovo

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_Ching-te

    Lai Ching-te

    President of Taiwan

  • David Sinclair

    World’s Leading Scientist on Longevity

  • Sharon Stone

    Actress, Artist, Activist

  • Sir Bob Geldof

    Irish singer, Writer and Political Activist

  • Oleksandra Matviichuk

    Human rights lawyer
    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (2022)

  • José Ramos-Horta

    President of Timor-Leste
    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1996)

  • Moncef Marzouki

    President of Tunisia
    (2011 - 2014)

  • Salome Zourabichvili

    President of Georgia

  • Natalia Gavrilita

    Prime minister of Moldova
    (2021 - 2023)

  • Raila Odinga

    Prime Minister of Kenya
    (2008-2013)

  • Gjorge Ivanov

    President of Macedonia
    (2009 - 2019)

  • Eamon Ryan

    Irish Minister for Transport, Environment, Climate and Communications

  • Hans Corell

    United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the Legal Counsel (1994 - 2004)

  • Stuart Jonathan Russell

    Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley

  • Jan Eliasson

    Foreign Minister of Sweden
    (2006 -2006)

  • Joseph Yossi Beilin

    Justice Minister of Israel
    (1999-2001)

  • Tom Malinowski

    U.S. House of Representatives
    (2019 - 2023)

  • Eva-Maria Liimets

    Foreign Minister of Estonia
    (2021-2022)

  • Ann Curry

    Humanitarian Correspondent

  • Dr. John Barker

    Founding Director of Cambridge Governance Labs at Cambridge University

  • Nadya Tolokonnikova

    Russian musician, political activist & founding member of the Pussy Riot

  • Ivan Simonović

    UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights (2010–2016) & Minister of Justice of Croatia
    (2008 -2010)

  • Prof. Hans Kochler

    Philosophy professor & the Founder and President of the International Progress Organization ( I.P.O.)

  • Melissa Parke

    Executive Director of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons & Member of the Australian House of Representatives (2007 - 2016)

  • Ulrike Guérot

    Political Scientist, Founder and Director of the European Democracy Lab

  • James Bacchus

    American Lawyer
    Member of U.S. House of Representatives (1991-1995)

  • Henning Otte

    Member of the German Parliament Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee

  • Narges Mohammadi

    Noble Peace Laureate
    (In Iranian Prison)

The Panel Discussions

At The World Forum 2025

The World Forum 2025 hosted a total of 40 panel and round table discussions on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, categorised into six segments. The Forum served as a platform to renew democracy and define the future of humanity. To encourage real change, some panels were followed by a lawmaking workshop aimed at developing blueprint legislation for governments around the world.

The World Forum questions the status quo  and aims to unite leaders from politics, civil society, and culture to engage in the ideas and practices for a better world through fundamental change. The World Forum serves as a platform where humankind’s future is reshaped by elaborating breakthrough ideas and technologies, while facilitating investments and creating modern legislation, which pave the way to progress on tech, AI, social media, democracy, peace, justice, freedom, and securing the survival of the human race. In an era where advancements in AI and technology present unique opportunities but also existential threats, we intend to help create innovation, new legislation and governing bodies, which are critical for society’s democratic future, such as The World Council of Democratic Nations as well as The World Council on AI - Algorithms, social media and digital Life.

A major topic is how to reinvent democracy in the digital age? Our Philosophers panel discussed at the panel “Why Democracy” not only how to protect the right to vote for every citizen, but also controversial ideas of giving educated voters, who can answer questions on the ballot correctly, more votes, as well as universal constitutional  limitations on voting topics, which may prevent an irrational “rule of the mob” as recent statistics confirm Plato’s and Sigmund Freud’s warning that 80-90% percent of humans can be manipulated to irrational decisions, harmful behavior and voting by “giving them false appearances.” Nobel laureate Maria Ressa saw social media as a crucial element: “Without facts, there is no truth. Without truth, there is no democracy.”

To learn more about each segment, please click the links below: