Watch the webinar recording here: youtu.be/1o6Qya9TKps

The International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world. This year the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis has resulted in major social, political, and legal challenges globally. While states have adopted emergency measures to address the crisis around the world, it is important that they continue to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and protect and respect the right to access justice, remedies, and due process.

How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted the state of democracy around the world? What are the biggest challenges posed by the pandemic to the achievement of SDG 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions? What needs to be done for the countries to emerge from the crisis more resilient and to be able to continue to take steps towards democracy?

United Nations Development Programme UNDP and United Nations Association of Finland invite you to join a virtual dialogue on the impact of COVID-19 on the state of democracy. The solution-focused webinar brings together Finnish and international experts to discuss ways forward towards just and democratic societies despite the crisis.

Panellists include Saara-Sofia Sirén, Chair of UN Association and Member of the Parliament, Maria Suokko, UNDP Resident Representative for Kosovo, Itonde Kakoma, Director of Global Strategy, CMI, Anu Juvonen, Executive Director of Demo Finland and Yuri Birjulin, Finland’s UN Youth Delegate.