Time: Thursday 11 December 15:00 - 17:00
Location: University Aula, Karl Johans gate, Oslo

The pathway to peace is not an easy one. It is secured through freedoms that are granted and protected by a government that is fairly and freely elected by the people. This year’s laureate, María Corina Machado, has worked tirelessly for free and fair democratic elections - the very foundations of a peaceful society – in Venezuela.   
  
Democracy is a precondition for lasting peace. However, we live in a world where democracy is in retreat, where more and more authoritarian regimes are challenging norms and resorting to violence. With Venezuela as an example, this year’s Forum will focus on democracy as the foundation for peace, and how the transition from authoritarianism to democracy can pave the way for peace in different parts of the world. 

If you would like to attend the event in person, please register here
For media attendence, please se our press pages

Speakers and panelists

Opening remarks
Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director, The Norwegian Nobel Institute

Keynote Speaker 
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2011 and former President of Liberia 

Witnesses to Fallen Democracy  
Magalli Meda Padron, Venezuelan opposition politician in exile 
Pedro Alejandro Urruchurtu Noselli, Venezuelan opposition politician in exile 

Democracy’s Role in the Pursuit of Peace 
Marianne Dahl (moderator), Research Director, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
Staffan I. Lindberg, Founding Director, V-Dem Institute,  Univ. of Gothenburg
Director, DEMSCORE (National Research Infrastructure)
Alfredo Romero, Director Presidente, Foro Penal
Olivia Stokes Dreier, Senior Research Fellow for Global Challenges to Democracy, Toda Peace Institute and Democracy Lighthouse 

From Democracy to Peace: Transitions of Power
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate 2011
Edmundo González, President-elect (in exile) of Venezuela

The Legacy of Laureates
Yolanda Renee King, Granddaughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mungi Ngomane, Granddaughter of Desmond Tutu

Moderator: Erik Aasheim, The Norwegian Nobel Institute