Monday, 6 july 2009, Strasbourg
Summer University for Democracy
The topic of the 4th Summer University for Democracy, organised by the Council of Europe with the support of the European Union, the French Government and the local authorities of Alsace and Strasbourg, is „Global challenges to democracy“.
The Summer University is the annual highlight of the Council of Europe’s 16 schools of political studies which aim to train the next generation of political, economic, social and cultural leaders in transition countries.
Over 600 political leaders, civil society activists, journalists and business leaders from 16 European countries will meet from 6 to 10 July in Strasbourg to discuss the impact of contemporary challenges to democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis will open the Summer University and Slovenian President Danilo Türk is expected to give an opening lecture.
Strasbourg Mayor Roland Ries, Parliamentary Assembly President (PACE) Lluis Maria de Puig, President of the European Association of the Schools of Political Studies Catherine Lalumiere and Michel Rocard, former French prime Minister, are among the opening speakers.
Lilian Thuram, President of the Lilian Thuram Foundation-Education against Racism, will participate in the closing session on Friday 10 July at which a final declaration is due to be adopted.