The World Forum 2024
Opens with Secretary Hillary Clinton, UN SG Ban Ki-moon, Sharon Stone, Sir Bob Geldof, Nobel Peace Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, and Heads of State
Berlin – The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, held on 18 & 19 February 2024 at the Allianz Forum in Berlin and organised by Cinema for Peace, was inaugurated by a lineup of distinguished speakers from around the world. The event, inaugurated by the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Founder of Live Aid Sir Bob Geldof, esteemed actress Sharon Stone, Chairman of the Cinema for Peace Jaka Bizilj, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, artists, and heads of state and concluded by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton at Theater des Westens, served as a platform to renew democracy and define the future of humanity. It provided an opportunity for encounters that initiate progress on democracy, peace, and technology. To encourage real change, some panels were followed by a lawmaking workshop aimed at developing blueprint legislation for governments around the world. The inaugural session of this groundbreaking event addressed some of the most pressing issues facing democracy, human rights, and technology through 30 panel discussions on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind.
The opening ceremony was conducted in this running order:
Jaka Bizilj, Chairman of the Cinema for Peace Foundation and founder of The World Forum, underscored the critical need to harness technology and artificial intelligence to find innovative solutions to humanity's greatest challenges. Bizilj's three-year concept aims to explore and implement the best answers for a better future.
Nadia Tolokonnikova, founder of Pussy Riot, spoke out against the oppressive actions of Putin's regime and remembered Alexei Navalny as a symbol of hope and resistance. Tolokonnikova emphasised the importance of joy and love in the fight for justice.
Oleksandra Matvichuuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, detailed her efforts in documenting Russian atrocities against Ukraine. Matvichuuk called for the establishment of a special tribunal to hold accountable those responsible for aggression and war crimes.
Nick Bostic, the ordinary hero - proving that everyone can make a difference, recognized for his heroism in saving a family from a burning building, shared his belief in the innate goodness within all humans and the significance of individual acts of courage.
Sharon Stone, Hollywood actress and activist, likened the world's current state to a burning house, challenging attendees to act decisively for the sake of future generations. Stone relayed a quote from US President Joe Biden for Cinema for Peace, urging courage to preserve the planet and protect human dignity.
Ban Ki-Moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations, reflected on his tenure and the interconnection between peace, security, economic development, and human rights. He advocated for a united voice in promoting a democratic and peaceful world.
Bob Geldof, singer, songwriter, and political activist, critiqued the effectiveness of forums like Munich Security Conference and Davos in effecting change, calling for real-world engagement and action against the backdrop of global dangers.
The World Forum aimed to foster dialogue and action on critical issues, with a focus on democracy, technology, and humankind. The event continued with discussions and workshops designed to generate actionable solutions.
The Forum concluded with a keynote address by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton at Theater des Westen in a special evening, further underscoring the importance of collective action in facing global challenges.
The World Forum concluded by Secretary Hillary Clinton in conversation with Ann Curry
Secretary Hillary Clinton Discusses Global Challenges and U.S. Politics at The World Forum
Berlin— In a comprehensive conversation with Ann Curry at The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind on 18 &19 Feb 2024, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton shared her insights on a range of pressing global and domestic issues, reflecting on the state of international politics and the critical challenges facing democracies today. She articulated the pressing global struggle between democratic values and autocratic forces, characterized as a battle between "darkness and light."
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses 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.
Gordon Brown Calls for Action Against Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan at The World Forum
Sir Bob Geldof addresses The World Forum
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.
Inaugural speech by Nadya Tolokonnikova at The World Forum
In a poignant speech at The World Forum on the Future of Democracy, Tech, and Humankind, held on February 18 and 19, 2024, Nadya Tolokonnikova of Pussy Riot led a commemoration for Alexey Navalny, the late Russian opposition leader. She recounted how she initiated his evacuation in 2020 after he was poisoned, by requesting that Jaka Bizilj, Chairman of Cinema for Peace, arrange his transfer from Siberia to Berlin for medical treatment.
Nadya Tolokonnikova Commemorates Alexey Navalny at The World Forum
Inaugural speech by Oleksandra Matviichuk at The World Forum
In a powerful inaugural speech at the World Forum, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk addressed the dire consequences of the conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine in February 2014. Matviichuk, who has been documenting the atrocities of the war, highlighted the immense suffering of the victims, emphasising their need to restore not just their lives and families, but also their faith in justice.