A growing decline: we must act now!
- For the first time in over 20 years, the number of autocracies(1) (91) now exceeds the number of democracies(2) (88).
Notes and sources: (1) Political system in which power is concentrated in the hands of a single person or a small group, without democratic control or real limitation of their authority (2) Two decades of decline in the global state of democracy - Demo Finland - 72% of the world's population - or 5.8 billion people - now live under an autocratic regime, while less than 12% live in a liberal democracy, the lowest rate in 50 years.
Source : Autocracies outnumber democracies for the first time in 20 years: V-Dem - 2024 marked the 9th consecutive year in which more countries experienced democratic decline than improvement.
Source : UCDP: Sharp increase in conflicts and wars - Uppsala University - With 61 active conflicts involving at least one state, the number of armed conflicts reached an all-time high in 2024, the highest number since statistics began in 1946.
Source : UCDP: Sharp increase in conflicts and wars - Uppsala University - With 13,900 civilian deaths, violence deliberately targeting civilians increased by 31% in 2024.
Source : UCDP: Sharp increase in conflicts and wars - Uppsala University
Every weakened democratic institution makes the next more vulnerable.
Without functioning democracies, it is impossible to implement the climate and public health policies our societies urgently need.
We must act now!
Our dedicated programmes, projects and tools
Here are a few examples of what we propose to help you learn about peace and democracy and take effective action.
(In the) MOOD for Peaceful Futures
Becoming a peacebuilder [Under development]The MOOD for Peaceful Futures transforms the aspiration for peace into concrete action. This immersive programme equips young people with practical tools for conflict transformation. Participants co-create, in international teams, a peace project tailored to their local context, earn a certificate, and join a global network of more than 150 young leaders and 250 international experts.
Peaceful Futures
Training young leaders for peace [Under construction]The Peaceful Futures programme — a joint initiative of Global Education Futures and the Learning Planet Institute, aligned with UNESCO’s priorities — aims to train and empower young leaders around the world, enabling them to become active peacebuilders.
Atlas of Peaceful Futures Practices
A practical guide towards a civilisation grounded in peaceThis innovative, living and open-access resource showcases local and international initiatives promoting peace, cooperation and social transformation worldwide. A practical and inspiring tool demonstrating how everyone can contribute to a more peaceful future.
