Toronto Democracy Forum 2025 – Registration Now Open
16
Nov
Toronto Democracy Forum 2025 – Registration Now Open
Healing the World by Defending Freedom and Countering Oppression
Civil Resistance Against Authoritarian and Religious Radicalism
The Toronto Democracy Forum 2025 will be organized by the World Anti Extremism Network (WAEN) in collaboration with a growing number of international partners at the University of Toronto on November 16–17, 2025. This global gathering will bring together scholars, activists, and thought leaders from around the world to explore how civic resistance can counter authoritarianism and the rise of religious extremism in today’s world.
Following the successful hosting of last year’s Forum, which brought together over 100 participants from more than 15 countries, this year’s event will build on that momentum with deeper dialogue, stronger partnerships, many breakout sessions and discussions and a renewed commitment to defending democracy and human rights.
Why This Theme?
Across the globe, democratic aspirations are under siege by authoritarian regimes, radical ideologies, and shrinking civic space. But communities are pushing back. Through peaceful protest, grassroots movements, storytelling, and strategic resistance, citizens are reclaiming space and building alternatives.
This year’s theme, “Civil Resistance Against Authoritarian and Religious Radicalism”, asks us to examine these responses, learn from one another, and explore the role we each can play in healing fractured systems and wounded societies.
What to Expect
The Forum will feature:
- Inspiring keynote speeches by leading global thinkers
- Dynamic panel discussions on today’s most pressing challenges
- Interactive breakout sessions to foster deeper engagement and collaboration
- Strategic reflections and action-oriented conversations to drive real impact
- Presentations of cutting-edge research and key findings
- Cultural moments of solidarity, including the presentation of the prestigious Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights
Schedule
Day 1: November 16: Prosperity Dinner featuring keynote speakers, a panel discussion, and the announcement of the Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights — 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET
Day 2: November 17: Conference Day — 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET
We recommend arriving in Toronto by 5:00 PM on November 16 to fully participate in the opening evening. Departure can be planned for after 5:00 PM on November 17. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.
If you require a visa to travel to Canada and need an invitation letter or supporting documents, our team will be happy to assist you. For any inquiries or requests, please contact us at: hq@WorldAntiExtremism.org
Featured Speakers
We’re proud to host a distinguished lineup of global scholars and freedom activists as speakers at the Forum.
Calls Open
As part of the Forum, we are now accepting:
- Nominations for the Linda Whetstone Award for Freedom and Human Rights
- Abstracts for Paper Presentations about Civil Resistance Against Authoritarian and Religious Radicalism
If you have a story, insight, or idea that aligns with this year’s theme, we welcome your voice.
Register for the Toronto Democracy Forum 2025
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025
Voices from Toronto Democracy Forum 2024
“The event was energizing and empowering. The talks were informative and the networking and sharing of experiences were simply awesome. Participants — I among them — got a lot of value of the event. That will translate into more effective work to secure and to advance liberty in an increasingly authoritarian and dangerous world.”
Tom G. Palmer, George M. Yeager Chair for Advancing Liberty and Executive Vice President for International Programs at Atlas Network
“The Toronto Democracy Forum provides a vital platform for courageous voices to share ideas that challenge tyranny and inspire free societies. It’s exactly the kind of gathering the world needs today.”
Ken Schoolland, Author of The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible: A Free Market Odyssey
We operate through the generous support of small donations from individuals and organizations. While we are not in a position to cover travel and accommodation costs for all participants coming from other cities and countries, limited support may be available based on available resources.
Partners
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Got questions? Contact us at: events@WorldAntiExtremism.org