Bern authorities have given the go-ahead for the city to host the ninth Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy next year.
The decision, taken by the city council (local executive) on Friday, means that some 500 participants from over 50 countries will descend on the Swiss capital from September 23-26 next year to discuss various aspects of people participation in the modern age.
Though dwarfed in size by some of the previous cities that have hosted the forum (Seoul, San Francisco and Rome), Bern, as the centre of Swiss direct democracy, is well placed to welcome such discussions, according to mayor Alec von Graffenried.
“The conference and its goals fit perfectly in the Swiss capital, with its tradition of direct democracy and its ongoing efforts to expand people participation,” von Graffenried said.
“The event will be an opportunity for Bern to put itself at the forefront of international efforts to promote direct democracy.”
Von Graffenried added that direct democracy is a successful political model, but it can also create confusion and uncertainty, as Britain’s 2016 referendum about membership of the European Union shows.
“The example of the Brexit vote shows the chances and risks of citizens’ participation in political decision-making,” he said.
Coming full circle
Along with discussing how direct democracy functions in Switzerland at state and regional levels, the forum will also look at issues like federalism, direct democratic tools, and people participation.
“The world has changed a lot in those 12 years. Switzerland’s system was once looked upon as a curiosity. Now it’s considered a reference,” he said.
Kaufmann added that democracy had moved forward not just in Switzerland. Other countries have also developed innovative ideas over the past decade, from which Switzerland can benefit.
He pointed to moves to increase transparency, to engage foreign residents in politics and the digitalisation of voting procedures.
After last year’s edition in Rome, where a Magna Charta for a global alliance of cities was launched (see below), this year the Global Forum will pass via Taiwan (October 2-5) before coming to Bern in 2020.
More
More
Foundations for league of ‘Democracy Cities’ laid in Rome
This content was published on
A global democracy forum in Rome launches a ‘Magna Charta’ for enhancing direct democracy in cities around the world.
Swiss cantons spared duty to create new traveller transit sites
This content was published on
Swiss cantons will no longer be formally obliged by the government to create new transit sites for the travelling community.
Swiss politicians bemoan limited access to EU treaty details
This content was published on
Protests that only a few Swiss parliamentarians will be able to read the contents of a new agreement negotiated with the EU.
This content was published on
For the first time, most Swiss residents favour withdrawing their pension pot as a lump-sum over regular annuity payments.
This content was published on
The cost of buying a home in Switzerland rose by 4.1% year-on-year in the last quarter and by 0.7% compared to the previous three months.
Landslide threatened Swiss village of Brienz faces many more evacuations
This content was published on
The population of the Swiss village of Brienz/Brinzauls isn warned to expect more landslide evacuations in the coming years.
This content was published on
Swiss International Air Lines will avoid Pakistani airspace until further notice due to rising tension between India and Pakistan.
This content was published on
The number of issues put to vote has increased considerably since the 1970s. The graphics present more than 600 nationwide votes since 1848.
This content was published on
Rome’s ruins tell us about wars and destruction, but also about how from history emerged an extraordinary, fascinating and beautiful city.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.