Digitalization and Democracy

You are invited to our Nordic Democracy Day to discuss “Digitalization and Democracy” on Friday December 2 at 1-4 pm EET. The event is followed by a reception at 4 pm.

Democracy has been in decline globally. The European Union is, however, committed to defending democracy and rule of law both in Europe and worldwide. New opportunities for democracy and civic participation stem from new technologies and digital media. Nevertheless, the logic of the data economy poses challenges to democratic processes, including through hybrid threats. As regards the digital giants, there have been calls for more corporate responsibility and/or for better regulation. Welcome to discuss these challenges with us!

PROGRAMME

Welcoming words
Victor Andersson, Programme Director, Hanaholmen – the Swedish-Finnish Cultural Centre

Digitalization and Democracy
Rauno Merisaari, Ambassador for Human Rights and Democracy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finland

Swedish EU Presidency and the Work for Democracy
Cecilia Ruthström-Ruin, Ambassador for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

Public Libraries Promoting Democracy
Fredrika Sundberg, Director, Mariehamn City Library, Åland Islands

Case Study: The First Results of NORDIS
Perspectives for Healthier Information Diet in Nordic countries
Anja Bechmann, Professor, Aarhus University, NORDIS Denmark

Data Economy and its Impacts on Democracy
Jyrki Katainen, Former Prime Minister, President of The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

14.40 short break, refreshments

The Digital Giants and Democracy
Åsa Wikforss, Professor at Stockholm University, Author, Member of the Swedish Academy
Maarit Jaakkola, Co-Director, Nordicom, Nordic Centre for Media Research, University of Gothenburg

Panel discussion moderated by Jukka Vahti, The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra:
Aura Salla, Public Policy Director, Head of EU Affairs, Meta
Heidi Jern, Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Google
Max Mickelsson, Head of New Markets, Miltton
Anja Bechmann, Aarhus University, NORDIS, Denmark

Closing Words
Björn Vikström, Chairperson, Anders Chydenius Foundation, Finland

16.30 – 17.30 Restaurant PLATS, Hanaholmen
Reception hosted by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra

Organizers: Hanaholmen, Anders Chydenius Foundation, Sitra, Nordis, Åland Peace Institute, Nordicom.

Lectures and discussions will be in Swedish, Finnish and English. Simultaneous interpretation in English.

The event is free of charge, but registration in advance is required.
Please register no later than 25 November.

Additional information: Project Manager Henrik Huldén, henrik.hulden(at)hanaholmen.fi

Democracy Day is arranged with the financial support from Konstsamfundet.