The participants in the forum Democracy for Future in Yerevan discussed issues of democracy, global challenges and ways of forming democratic societies.

Armenian FM Edard Nalbandian pointed out at the opening that the forum in Yerevan is an honor for Armenia, but the country’s readiness to host such a significant event is important as well. Minister Nalbandian stressed that the CE is one of the leaders in disseminating democratic values throughout the world. In this context, Minister Nalbandian hopes the Yerevan forum will facilitate the achievement of this aim. He stressed Armenia is keeping track of the global democratic processes and honors its commitments to build up a democratic society with its European partners’ assistance.

Zoran Petrov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Macedonia, stated Europe must be ready to meet the new challenges of the changing world. Democracy is not only a form of government, but also a system of values, he said. Zoran Petrov also stressed the importance of work with the electorate.

The Lord Prescott, PACE Vice-President, who spoke on behalf of PACE President Mevlut Cavusoglu, stated democracy is the worst form of government, but others are by far the worst. Democracy needs different forms of civilians’ participation, he said. Prescott stressed that lack of democracy is the result of such negative phenomena as racism, xenophobia, extremism and Islamic phobia. According to him, present-day challenges to democracy are more than political or geopolitical ones. The PACE Vice-President stressed that the world is turning into multipolar system. The PACE President failed to arrived in Armenia because of transport problems, whereas the Lord Prescott spent nine hours to arrive in Armenia from France.

The Opposition held an action of protest in front of the Reception Palace of the RA Government, where the forum was held.