Pacto strengthens its engagement in international pro-democracy agendas

Pacto pela Democracia strengthened its presence in international initiatives dedicated to defending democratic values by participating in two major global forums. The initiative reflects Pacto’s commitment to expanding connections and deepening collaboration with partners from other countries, contributing to the exchange of experiences and the development of strategies that promote and consolidate democracy beyond Brazil’s borders.

Held in Athens, Greece, the Athens Democracy Forum brought together leaders, experts, and organizations from around the world committed to defending and renewing democratic values. In a global context marked by institutional setbacks and the rise of authoritarian forces, the event has become an important space for rethinking democratic systems and identifying paths to make democracy more resilient, inclusive, and participatory.

CFK Global Fellows — Koketso Moeti, Chris Muriithi, Flávia Pellegrino, Gábor Scheiring, and Ivan Vejvoda — joined by KF President and CEO Sharon Davies, Executive Vice President and COO John Dedrick, board members Edwin C. Moses and Roberto Saba, and Chief External Affairs Officer Brad Rourke.

Pacto pela Democracia was represented at the forum by its Executive Director, Flávia Pellegrino, who participated in the roundtable “Bending the Arc of Democracy,” organized by the Kettering Foundation and moderated by Ivan Vejvoda.

The panel also featured Koketso Moeti, Chris Muriithi, and Gábor Scheiring, bringing together voices from different regions of the world to discuss contemporary threats to democratic systems and share strategies for institutional and social strengthening.

From October 1–3, Pacto pela Democracia also took part in the Foro Prosperidad Compartida, held in Cali, Colombia. The forum brought together business leaders, foundations, civil society organizations, and private-sector actors committed to the social and sustainable development of Latin America.

Pacto pela Democracia’s Campaigns Coordinator, Helena Salvador, at the Foro Prosperidad Compartida held in Cali, Colombia.

Pacto pela Democracia was represented by Campaigns Coordinator Helena Salvador, who highlighted the importance of civil society’s leadership in shaping democratic narratives:

“This space was very important to emphasize that the democratic narrative must be built by civil society, which is an essential actor in this process and should not be monopolized by parties or politicians. It’s also crucial to have other coalitions like Pacto pela Democracia across Latin America, so that we can build a broad democratic front to counter authoritarianism in the region and act at the global level as well,” said Salvador.

The debates revolved around four main themes: the role of private cooperation in building collective prosperity; the promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth; the advancement of equity and opportunities; and the strengthening of a vibrant democracy grounded in trust and civic participation.