Event
Details
Crises and conflicts are increasing worldwide, the number of democratic states is decreasing. Even in Germany, which has just celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Basic Law, confidence in the functioning of democracy is waning and calls for simple solutions to complex problems are becoming ever louder. Democratic parties are losing support among the population, while populist and extremist parties and movements are experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity in the history of the Federal Republic. Quite a few people are even asking themselves whether democracies and liberal societies can solve the challenges of the present at all.
We want to discuss how this can be achieved and why we must succeed. Under the title ‘Democracy protects. Protect democracy’ at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's annual day on 12 September 2024, we will be taking part in the political debate in line with our motto ’Together. Democracy. Shaping.’ In addition to other interesting dialogue partners, we are expecting Friedrich Merz MdB, Chairman of the CDU, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Ebba Busch, among others.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung cordially invites you to take part in this day to contribute your perspectives, share experiences and discuss how we can shape and strengthen democracy together.
Program
The KAS Day - YOUTH POLICY DAY
(only with separate invitation)
09:00 - 10:00 a.m.
VIGOUR INSTEAD OF SENTIMENT
09:00 - 09:05 a.m.
Introduction
Michael Thielen
Secretary General of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
09:05 - 09:10 a.m.
Poetry Slam
Julian Heun
Poetry Slammer, Author
09:10 – 10.00 a.m.
WITH CONFIDENCE FROM THE ‘MOOD DEMOCRACY’
Panel discussion
Serap Güler MdB
Member of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag
Eduard Heger
Former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic
Moderation
Nils Thieben
Director of Studies Ludwig Windthorst House
Location: Forum of the Academy
GER/EN
10:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DEMOCRACY LAB
WORKSHOP I
Understanding democracy: How do I form an opinion?
Daniel Spliethoff
Reporter RTL Direct
Location: Forum of the Academy
GER/EN
WORKSHOP II
Democracy on the net: How do I position myself on Twitter & Co.
Daniel Eck
ProducerProducer ‘Union Bubble Talk’
Location: JKS Academy
GER
WORKSHOP III
Demokratie international: Preserving democracy against the odds?
Rishika Raka
Indian National Congress, India
Mr. Narote Piriyarangsan
Political Activist, Thailand
Benazir Komarudin
Golkar Party, Indonesia
Zainodin Buisan
Young Centrist Union, Philippines
Moderation
Moritz Fink
Policy Advisor
Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia/Singapore Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Location: Academy/Bernhard Vogel Hall
EN
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.
LUNCH BREAK
2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
EVALUATION OF THE WORKSHOPS
Poetry Slam
Julian Heun
Director of Studies Ludwig Windthorst House Poetry Slammer, Author
Moderation
Nils Thieben
Director of Studies Ludwig Windthorst House
2:15 – 2:45 p.m.
AWARD CEREMONY DEMOCRACY SHAPERS 2024
Presentation of the winning project
Dr Sandra Busch-Janser
Deputy Head of Political Education and Head of Political Education Forums at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Konstantin Gerbrich
Advisor ‘Demokratiegestalter-Tour’ political education forums of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Moderation
Nils Thieben
Director of Studies Ludwig Windthorst House
Location: Forum of the Academy
GER/EN
The KAS Day
(for invited guests only)
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
THREE BECOMES SEVEN PLUS X - PARTY SYSTEMS ON THE MOVE
Introduction
Hermann Gröhe MdB
Deputy Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Panel discussion
Philipp Amthor MdB
CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag
Dr Philipp Birkenmaier
Federal Managing Director of the CDU Germany
Prof Dr Ursula Münch
Director of the Academy for Political Education Tutzing
Jana Merkel (tbc)
Journalist mdr
Moderation
Daphne Wolter/Sebastian Weise
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Location: Forum of the Academy
GER/EN
5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
DNA OF DEMOCRACY - INK WITH THE DNA OF OUR BASIC LAW
Presentation of the project and handover of the ink to
Prof Dr Norbert Lammert
Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Former President of the Bundestag
Location: JKS
GER
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
DEMOCRACIES UNDER PRESSURE?
Introduction
Prof Dr Norbert Lammert
Chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Former President of the Bundestag
Keynote
Friedrich Merz MdB
Chairman of the CDU Germany and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag
Ebba Busch
Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden
Minister of Energy and Economic Affairs of Sweden
In dialogue
Ebba Busch
Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden
Minister of Energy and Economic Affairs of Sweden
Friedrich Merz MdB
Chairman of the CDU Germany and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag
Moderation
Caroline Kanter
Deputy Head of the European and International Cooperation Department of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Location: Forum of the Academy
GER/EN
From 7:30 p.m.
RECEPTION
Speakers
Main topics
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung's leitmotif "Shaping.Democracy.Together" is supported by a thematic focus. The three focal themes of innovation, security and representation, and participation make it clear which topics the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung will be dealing with intensively in the coming years.
Our security cannot be taken for granted. On our focus page on "Security", our experts explain why and where democracy, the rule of law, peace, freedom, prosperity and solidarity are in danger and what we can do to counteract this.
Innovations are indispensable if we want to solve the great tasks facing humanity. For us, these are first and foremost peace and security, freedom and justice, the preservation of creation and our prosperity. At the same time, innovations raise ethical and socio-political questions. On our focus page on the topic of "Innovation", our experts explain how we position ourselves in this field of tension and promote an innovation-friendly climate.
When we are asked what we do, the answer could well be short: We care about democracy. Here in Germany and elsewhere in the world. On our focus page on "Representation and Participation" we explain how we do it, what challenges we face and who our partners are.
