30th Forum 2000 in Prague: Václav Havel’s Legacy Takes Centre Stage

For the 30th time, Forum 2000 brings together politicians, experts and representatives of civil society in Prague. The focus is on the future of democracy, global challenges and the political legacy of former Czech President Václav Havel.

From today, 11 October, until 13 October 2026, the Prague Congress Centre will once again become a meeting place for international figures from politics, academia and society. Under the title “Reimagining the Power of the Powerless”, this year’s Forum 2000 will explore how democratic societies can be strengthened in the face of growing political and technological challenges.

The anniversary edition is dedicated to its co-founder, Václav Havel. The Forum 2000 Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, while the former Czech President would have turned 90 on 5 October. Around 800 politicians, diplomats, academics, activists, journalists and representatives of civil society organisations from approximately 100 countries are expected to attend.

Democracy Under Pressure: Global Challenges in Focus

The conference takes place against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, social polarisation and growing authoritarian tendencies. The impact of new technologies on democratic processes also plays a central role. In particular, digital manipulation and the potential misuse of artificial intelligence raise new questions for politics and society.

Discussions will focus on five key areas: the future of the international order, democratic participation, the relationship between technology and democracy, the situation in Ukraine, and regional and global challenges.

A particular focus will be on Generation Z. Discussions will examine the role young people play in democratic movements, how they engage politically and the difficulties they face in different parts of the world.

Prominent Guests from Politics, Academia and Society

This year, the conference once again brings together numerous internationally renowned figures in the Czech capital.

The announced participants include Israeli historian and bestselling author Yuval Noah Harari, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader and Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Nobel Peace Prize laureates Tawakkol Karman and former Polish President Lech Wałęsa are also expected to attend.

Other guests include Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė, political scientist Larry Diamond from Stanford University and former Botswana President Ian Khama.

Václav Havel’s Ideas Remain a Central Guiding Principle

Forum 2000 was established in 1997 on the initiative of Václav Havel. Its aim was to bring together individuals from different cultural, religious and political backgrounds to discuss fundamental challenges facing humanity.

Havel’s ideas of personal responsibility, human dignity and the courage to stand up against oppression continue to shape the Foundation’s work to this day.

The 30th edition therefore aims not only to commemorate the political and philosophical legacy of the former Czech President. The organisers also want to explore how his ideas can be reinterpreted and put into practice under today’s political, social and technological conditions.


30. Forum 2000
11 to 13 October 2026 | Prague
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