The Anna Lindh Foundation Swedish network will hold the eighth edition of Celebrating Our Diversity Forum on 30 September - 2 October 2026 at the World Culture Museum / Världskulturmuseet in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Theme: Building Democracy Together - role of civil society organisations in building and safeguarding democracy and democratic values.
Democracy does not exist. We make it. Democracy thrives when it is a collective effort where everyone can participate and contribute equally. In an era marked by polarisation, inequality, disinformation, wars, genocides, climate change and greed at the expense of our planet, the strength of democratic values depends on collective action—bridging divides, amplifying marginalised voices, and fostering inclusive participation. This year’s forum invites civil society practitioners and changemakers to explore how collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility can renew and sustain democratic systems. Together, we will talk about the urgent need for solidarity, innovation, and resilience to ensure democracy remains a living, evolving force for justice and equity.
We hope to offer you the following
- networking and creating new partnerships between members
- exchange of knowledge and expertise
- capacity building through the Practitioners Labs
- sharing initiatives and lessons learned by network members
- sharing opportunities by ALF or other Nordic donors.
What's new this year?
World café for sharing good practices and lessons learned.
Practitioners Lab workshops will be for 3 hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Draft Programme*
Wednesday 30 September
13.00 - 14.00 Welcome meal
14.00 - 15.00 Introduction to the Forum and the Building Democracy Together theme
15.00 - 16.00 Networking spin
16.00 - 17.00 check-in the hotel
17.30 - 20.00 Dinner and cultural evening
Thursday 1 October
08.30 - 08.45 Welcome and introduction of the day
08.45 - 09.45 World Café #1
09.45 - 10.00 networking break
10.00 - 11.00 Panel talk
11.00 - 12.00 World Café #2
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
13.00 - 16.00 Practitioners Lab (including a short break 15 mins)
16.00 Group picture
16.00 - 17.00 Visit World Culture Museum (intro tour to TATAU - Freedom | Identity | Memory exhibition)
18.00 - 20.00 Dinner
Friday 2 October
08.30 - 09.00 Introduction
09.00 - 12.00 Practitioners Lab
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
13.00 - 14.00 Imagine the Future Utopia
14.00 - 15.00 Building Alliances
15.00 - 15.30 Feedback and recommendations
15.30 Departure / Hejdå
* The programme will be updated after the call for participation is closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who can apply?
For the purpose of this call, members and alumni of the ALF Swedish network can apply.
Registration is open until 20 August 2026.
Logistics
The Swedish network will cover the travel by train/bus, accommodation in single room (up to 2 nights) and meals for one participant only per member organisation.
Official language of the Forum is English.
For information/questions
Rasha Shaaban - ALF Coordinator in Sweden
This Forum is organised and hosted by the ALF Swedish network coordinator, the National Museums of World Culture with the support of the Anna Lindh Foundation, European Commission, the Swedish Ministry of Culture.
Special thanks to the support from the ALF Swedish network advisory committee members: Karin Bruce (LärOlika), Alaa Munir (Ungdomsfronten) and Ceyda Berk-Söderblom, Trans Europa Halles (Lund)