Article written by
Andreas Müller
Executive Director
mueller@democracy-international.org
-
Location
Bürgerhaus MüZe
Berliner Str.77
51063 Cologne
Germany
Invitation to the General Assembly 2026
21 November 2026 at 14:00 CET · Cologne and online
Dear members,
We warmly invite you to Democracy International’s General Assembly on Saturday, 21 November 2026, at 14:00 CET. You can join us in person at Bürgerzentrum Mülheim in Cologne or online via Zoom.
This year, we have a special reason to come together:
Democracy International is turning 15. Your commitment and support have helped shape our organisation. We would therefore like to celebrate this anniversary with you and discuss how we can continue to strengthen democracy in the years ahead.
Shaping democracy together on our anniversary
Ahead of the General Assembly, we also invite you to our thematic conference, “Shaping Democracy 2026”, taking place from 19 to 21 November in Cologne. It offers an opportunity to get to know our international network, exchange experiences and contribute your own ideas.
How can people meaningfully shape political decisions? How can we strengthen fundamental rights in Europe? And what role can citizen participation play in climate action? We look forward to exploring these questions with you and with people from civil society, research and practice.
The programme will begin with exhibitions and a networking evening on Thursday, followed by discussions and workshops on Friday, and further workshops and a joint closing session on Saturday morning. Our General Assembly will follow at 14:00. The conference programme is currently being finalised.
The conference will be held in English. You are welcome to attend the full programme or individual sessions. We would be especially pleased if you could combine your participation in the General Assembly with a visit to the conference and make time to connect with fellow members and other participants.
Programme and the latest information on Shaping Democracy 2026
Registration and Participation
Please register for the general assembly and indicate whether you would like to attend in person or online:
You will receive the login information for Zoom and technical instructions on how to participate online and vote well in advance of the meeting.
Agenda for the General Meeting
Agenda for the General Assembly
1. Opening Remarks, Confirmation of Proper Convening and Quorum, and election of the meeting chair and minute-taker
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3. Report on Democracy International’s activities, with a focus on 2026, and discussion
4. Presentation of the financial reports and the auditors’ reports for 2023–2025, and discussion
5. Resolutions on the discharge of the Executive Board and the auditors for 2023–2025
6. Introduction of candidates and election of the Executive Board
7. Outlook for 2027 and exchange with members
8. Any other business and closing
Help Shape the Board of Directors
The Board election gives you a say in who will guide our organisation’s development over the next three years. Would you like to serve on the Executive Board yourself? We welcome your candidacy and your ideas for Democracy International.
To allow us to introduce candidates in advance, please express your interest by sending a short introduction to mueller@democracy-international.org , ideally by 21 October 2026. This is not a formal deadline for nominations: you may also put yourself forward during the General Assembly.
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
The auditors elected at the last General Assembly will present their audit reports for 2023–2025. We will also report on our current work and share an outlook for 2027. We would love to hear your views: which issues matter to you, and what ideas would you like to contribute to our organisation?
If you have any questions about the meeting or standing for election, please contact Andreas Müller at mueller@democracy-international.org .
We look forward to your participation, your ideas and the opportunity to celebrate 15 years of Democracy International together!
Warm regards
Bruno Kaufmann, Clara Egger, and Daniel Schily
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Democracy International e. V.
