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 democracy, it is impossible to implement the climate and public health policies the world needs.
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 peacemaker [Under construction].The MOOD for Peaceful Futures transforms the aspiration for peace into concrete action. This immersive programme trains young people in the tools of conflict transformation. As part of an international team, participants co-create a peace project tailored to their own context, earn a certificate and join a network of over 150 young leaders and more than 250 international experts.
Peaceful Futures
Becoming a peacemaker [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 hundreds of young leaders around the world, transforming them into peacemakers.
Atlas of Peaceful Futures Practices
A practical guide to a civilization based on peaceThis innovative, lively and free resource highlights local and international initiatives promoting peace, cooperation and social transformation around the world. A practical and inspiring tool that shows how everyone, at their own level, can take action for a more peaceful future.
