Nordic Democracy Day – Digitalization and Democracy

Published: 20.10.2022

On Friday 2 December at 13.00-16.00, you are invited to the Nordic Democracy Day to discuss the topic of "Digitalization and Democracy". The event is followed by a reception at 16.00.

Democracy has been in decline globally. The European Union is, however, committed in defending democracy and rule of law both in Europe and worldwide. New opportunities for democracy and civic participation stems from new technologies and digital media. However, the logic of data economy poses challenges to democratic processes, including hybrid threats. On the Digital Giants, one is calling for better corporate responsibility and/or for better regulation. Welcome to discuss these challenges ahead of us!

PROGRAMME

Welcoming words
Victor Andersson, Programme Director, Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre

Digitalization and Democracy
Rauno Merisaari, Ambassador for Human Rights and Democracy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland

Swedish EU Presidency and the Work for Democracy
Cecilia Ruthström-Ruin, Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

Data Economy and its Impacts on Democracy
Jyrki Katainen, Former Prime Minister, President of The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

Case Study: Public Libraries Promoting Democracy
Fredrika Sundberg, Director, Mariehamn City Library, Åland Islands

14.30 short break, refreshments

The Digital Giants and Democracy
Short presentations:
Åsa Wikforss, Professor at Stockholm University, Author, Member of the Swedish Academy
Maarit Jaakkola, Co-Director, Nordicom, Nordic Centre for Media Research, University of Gothenburg

Panel Discussion:
Aura Salla, Public Policy Director, Head of EU Affairs, Meta
Heidi Jern, Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Google
Max Michelsson, Head of New Markets, Miltton
Anja Bechmann, Aarhus University, EDMO NORDIS, Denmark

Closing Words
Chairperson Björn Vikström, Anders Chydenius Foundation, Finland

16.00 Reception hosted by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

Organizers: Hanaholmen, Anders Chydenius Foundation, Sitra, EDMO Nordis, Åland Peace Institute, Nordicom.

Lectures and discussions will be in Swedish, Finnish and English. Simultaneous interpretation in English.

The event is free of charge, but registration in advance is required.
Please register no later than 25 November.

Additional information: Project Manager Henrik Huldén, henrik.hulden(at)hanaholmen.fi

Democracy Day is organized with the financial support of Konstsamfundet.

Register here: www.lyyti.fi/reg/Pohjoismainen_demokratiapaiva_Digitalisaatio_ja_demokratia_5343/en

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