In many parts of the world, people are watching their freedoms shrink, sometimes gradually, sometimes overnight. Authoritarian governments are tightening their grip, and religious radicalism is creating new divisions that further increase the fear and uncertainty. Yet as big and serious as the problem of authoritarianism is, hope still prevails. People are refusing to be silent. They are speaking up and finding practical ways to push back. Their actions may not always make headlines, but they are quietly reshaping the fight for dignity and human rights every single day.
This year, the focus of the Toronto Democracy Forum was on highlighting these everyday forms of courage.
The Toronto Democracy Forum, organized by the World Anti-Extremism Network, took place on November 16–17 at the University of Toronto. The theme for this year’s conference was “Civil Resistance Against Authoritarianism and Religious Radicalism.” We brought together scholars and freedom activists from more than 20 countries, including South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Canada, and the United States. The forum united individuals who experience oppression firsthand with those who study its patterns and work to counter it.
In partnership with Atlas Network, Secure Canada, the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, the Institute for Liberal Studies, Ladies of Liberty Alliance (LOLA), Students for Liberty (SFL), and the Afghan Students Association at the University of Toronto, the event reminded us that healing begins when people feel genuinely heard and understood, bringing everyone together to share their stories and stand united against extremism.
PROSPERITY DINNER
The Prosperity Dinner opened with a warm welcome from Aiman Ramizy, Communications Assistant at WAEN, and Maria Alejandra Guardado, Senior Fellow at WAEN, who greeted the guests and set a positive tone for the evening. Their welcome was followed by the Opening Address delivered by Li Schoolland, Chair of the Board of Directors at WAEN—a woman who has personally lived through the realities of extremism and authoritarian rule, resisted them with courage, and dedicated her life to helping others break free from similar circumstances.
In her address, she spoke about how everyday acts of resistance small but persistent choices to stand for truth and dignity can gradually weaken the power of authoritarian and radical systems. She also highlighted the importance of building strong, resilient communities that support one another across differences, creating a collective shield against manipulation, fear, and radicalization.
Keynote address by Brad Lips
Followed by a keynote address titled “Human Rights and Freedom in 2025: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path to Healing the World,” by Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network, which served as an important reminder of why, in a time when human rights are under pressure across the globe, the fight for freedom still matters. He reflected on the urgent challenges being faced by open societies today, from rising authoritarianism to growing polarization, and the opportunities that still exist for positive change. Brad shared stories of individuals and communities who continue to defend their dignity despite adversity, showing that courage often begins quietly and at the local level. He emphasized that healing the world is not just a policy goal, but it is a human responsibility built on the belief that every person deserves to live free.
Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights Presentation & In Memoriam Tribute to Fallen Freedom Activists
Khalid Ramizy, CEO of WAEN, announced Brad Lips, CEO of Atlas Network at the recipient of Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights 2025. For this year’s award, WAEN received 28 nominations, from which five finalists were shortlisted. Based on the vote of the Board of Directors, Brad Lips was selected as the recipient for his strong commitment to human dignity, liberty, and the global effort to resist extremism and authoritarianism.
“Honoring him also honors the ongoing courage of all those working for a freer and more prosperous world,” said Khalid Ramizy, our CEO.
Khalid Ramizy also paid tribute to fallen freedom activists, including Linda Whetstone. The audience was invited to stand for a moment of silence in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in the cause of freedom and human dignity.
To keep the evening lively and engaging, the program featured a musical performance by Lindy Vopnfjörð, an Icelandic-Canadian folk singer, followed by a captivating Indigenous dance performance.
Learn more about the recipient of the Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights 2025 by clicking this link.
A Conversation on Building Resilient Societies for a Freer World: Freedom, Democracy & Countering Oppression
The discussion “Building Resilient Societies for a Freer World: Freedom, Democracy & Countering Oppression” brought together leading experts to explore practical ways to protect human rights and strengthen democratic societies. Andrea J. Prasow, Executive Director of Freedom Now, shared grassroots strategies for empowering communities to defend freedom. Joanna Baron, Executive Director of the Canadian Constitution Foundation, examined how constitutional law can serve as a powerful tool to counter authoritarian tendencies at home. Dr. Patrick Mardini, CEO of the Lebanese Institute for Market Studies (LIMS), offered insights into the Middle East beyond the headlines, highlighting the region’s complex social and political dynamics.
The conversation was moderated by Jonathan Berkshire Miller, Principal at Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and Board Member at WAEN, who guided an insightful dialogue connecting global and local approaches to building resilient, free societies.
Book Launch
The evening concluded with the book launch of The Stolen Republic: Untold Facts Behind the Collapse of Afghanistan’s Last Republic, featuring insights from Dr. Hassan Abbas, Distinguished Professor of International Relations at the National Defense University, and Janet Bufton, Co-Founder of the Institute for Liberal Studies. Khalid Ramizy, author of the book and CEO of WAEN, shared the story behind his work, shedding light on Afghanistan’s last republic and the challenges it faced. Guests engaged with Khalid Ramizy, had their copies signed, bringing the evening to a meaningful and memorable conclusion.
The Stolen Republic: Untold Facts Behind the Collapse of Afghanistan’s Last Republic, written by Khalid Ramizy with a foreword by renowned scholar Professor Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and published by the World Anti Extremism Network in three languages (English, Farsi/Dari, and Pashto), explores the causes and untold realities behind the fall of Afghanistan’s last republican government and 20 year of democracy on August 15, 2021, and the return of the Taliban.
This book draws on diverse and credible sources, including the author’s personal narrative as a young Afghan leader and human rights activist who began his work at an early age in defense of freedom and democracy. It also features interviews with prominent Afghan and international figures and scholars, surveys capturing public perceptions, and analysis of reports from well-known national and international media outlets. Combined, these sources provide a comprehensive view of the collapse of the republic and the failure of two decades of democratic efforts in Afghanistan.
The book is available on Amazon for purchase worldwide.
Day 2: The Conference Day: Keynotes, Lectures, Research Presentations & Group Discussions
Day two of the Toronto Democracy Forum began at the University of Toronto with an atmosphere of anticipation and intellectual energy. The day opened with warm and inspiring remarks from Aiman Ramizy, Communications Assistant at WAEN, who welcomed participants and set the stage for a full day of discussion, reflection, and collaboration. This was followed by remarks from Prof. Ahrar Ramizpoor, President of WAEN, who emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, “Civil Resistance Against Authoritarian and Religious Radicalism,” and highlighted WAEN’s ongoing commitment to fostering democratic resilience and countering extremism across the globe.
The morning featured a series of powerful keynote addresses by global experts, offering insights into the most pressing challenges confronting democracies today. Shikha Dalmia, President of the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism (ISMA), delivered a compelling keynote titled “Defending Democracy by Resisting the New Threats of Global Authoritarianism.” This was followed by a compelling session by Brian Lee Crowley, Founder and Managing Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI), on “Can Nice Canada Make It in a Nasty World? Surviving Great Power Jockeying, Foreign Interference and Unscrupulous Authoritarians.”
Additional highlights included thought provoking remarks by Sheryl Saperia, CEO of Secure Canada, about Mobilizing the Middle: Empowering Canadians to Counter Extremism and a comprehensive overview of WAEN’s initiatives and achievements in 2025, presented by Khalid Ramizy, CEO of WAEN. His presentation highlighted the organization’s work across research, advocacy, global partnerships, and community engagement, illustrating the tangible progress WAEN has made in countering extremism and authoritarianism worldwide.
Panel Discussion: Healing the World from Religious Extremism and Dictatorships — Practical Strategies for Action
An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Hunter Rauch, Associate Director of Network Outreach at the Atlas Network, brought together leading voices working at the intersection of freedom, religion, and democracy. Their discussion, Healing the World from Religious Extremism and Dictatorships: Practical Strategies for Action, provided an in-depth examination of rising global authoritarianism and the urgent need for coordinated action.
The panel featured:
- Nathan Mech, Founding Director, Collins Centre for Abrahamic Heritage at the Acton Institute
- Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at MLI
- Stefano Frontini, President of IFL Toronto
- Sarah Teich, President of Human Rights Action Group
- Alessa Polga, Toronto Chapter Director, Ladies of Liberty Alliance (LOLA)
Together, the panelists delivered a multifaceted assessment of global extremist threats and presented tangible strategies to strengthen human rights and democratic governance across borders.
Lecture Series
The day also featured the highly anticipated Lecture Series, showcasing global thought leaders. Dr. Eric Merkley, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and Director of the Policy, Elections, and Representation Lab (PEARL), delivered a lecture titled Bridging Divides: Countering Polarization to Strengthen Democracy and Civil Resistance. Prof. Ken Schoolland, Associate Professor of Economics at Hawaii Pacific University and Member of WAEN’s Advisory Council, presented on The Hidden Weapon of Freedom: How Economic Empowerment & Freedom Defeats Extremism & Authoritarianism. The lecture series concluded with Dr. Hassan Abbas, Distinguished Professor of International Relations at National Defense University, and WAEN Board Member, who delivered his lecture on Faith, Freedom, and Justice: Islamic Approaches to Countering Extremism and Authoritarianism.
Research Paper Presentations
A signature feature of Day 2 and the core highlight of the 2025 Forum.
This year’s Forum introduced a unique research model under WAEN’s Call for Abstracts on “Civil Resistance Against Authoritarian and Religious Radicalism.” Researchers from diverse regions presented their original work, offering insights spanning South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Uyghur diaspora.
Participants were divided into two groups of six researchers each for focused working sessions and research findings presentations, a format that distinguished this year’s Forum from previous editions.
Research Presentations Group A
- Dolkun Isa — The Global Challenge of Authoritarianism (China) and the Plight of the Uyghurs: An Urgent Call for International Solidarity
- Owen Lippert — The Return of the Opposition: Civil Resistance Against Authoritarianism in the 21st Century
- Mehmet Tohti — Transnational Repression and Uyghur Advocacy: Nonviolent Resistance Against Authoritarian Narratives
- Waqasia Naeem — Symbolic Dissent in the Digital Age: Multimodal Resistance to Authoritarianism in Pakistan
- Clyde Ray — Daniel Berrigan and the Problem of Civil Obedience
- Fereydoon Rahmani — Despotic Robustness and Social Movement Incapacitation in the Middle East
Group Presentations B:
- Arif Nezami — Youth-Led Democratic Renewal in Post-Uprising Bangladesh
- Mustapha Radji — Sufi Waqf as Non-Violent Structure of Resistance and Peacebuilding: The Case of Sufi Communities in Algeria
- Muhammad Anwar — Civil Courage in Pakistan: Nonviolent Resistance to Authoritarian and Religious Power
- Mohamed Baderdine Tachouche & Dr. Vaclava Tlili — Traditional Islam Facing Radical Islam: Pedagogical and Ethical Practices in Souss Fiqh Madrasas
- William Barclay — Canada’s Right-Wing Response to a Decade of Liberal Oppression
- Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi — Pakistan’s National Action Plan to Counter Violent Extremism: Incorporating Community Resilience
This session highlighted the diversity of perspectives and regions represented at the Forum, offering participants an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and reflect on strategies for civil resistance and democratic resilience worldwide.
Group Discussions, Working Sessions & Findings
Another defining feature of Day 2 was the interactive group discussions and working sessions, which allowed participants to engage deeply with the Forum’s core themes.
Group A, facilitated by Janet Bufton, focused on “Defending Liberal Democracy: Canada and the World” and explored the question: What key principles and actions are needed to strengthen and defend liberal democracy amid growing global challenges and the rise of artificial intelligence? Group B, led by Maria Alejandra Guardado, concentrated on “Countering Religious Radicalism and Authoritarianism” and addressed: What practical strategies and forms of civil resistance can help societies counter extremism and authoritarianism to build a more peaceful and free world?
A defining moment of Day 2 was the plenary session, where selected representatives from each group publicly presented their findings, giving participants an opportunity to articulate collective insights and recommendations shaped by the diverse regional experiences represented in the Forum.
Closing Reflections
The day concluded with inspiring closing remarks from Li Schoolland, Chair of WAEN’s Board of Directors, and Jonathan Berkshire Miller our board member, emphasizing not just the conclusion of the forum, but the beginning of a sustained, collaborative journey. Over the coming months, participants of the Toronto Democracy Forum will continue engaging with one another, sharing knowledge, and developing strategies to resist authoritarianism and strengthen liberal democracies worldwide.
This year’s Forum welcomed more than 120 participants from more than 20 different countries, reflecting a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences. WAEN is deeply grateful for the contributions of all attendees, speakers, and partner organizations, whose support made this gathering possible. The 2025 Forum sparked meaningful conversations, encouraged cross-regional collaboration, and reinforced the global commitment to building societies free from extremism and oppression. Building on this momentum, WAEN remains dedicated to advancing freedom, democracy, and human rights across the globe.
You can view and download all the photos from the Toronto Democracy Forum 2025 by clicking here.
You can find the full report of the forum, including summaries of the speeches, lectures, key recommendations, and planned actions, at the link below.
The Full Report Will Be Available Soon
With heartfelt thanks to our partners:
