Internationally bestselling author and journalist Anand Giridharadas, one of the world’s leading voices on democracy, is among the list of impressive speakers coming to this year’s DemocracyXChange (#DXC23) Summit.
In the in-person opening keynote address on March 23, Giridharadas will draw from his latest book, The Persuaders, which explores how people and movements are changing minds by practicing a new art of persuasion for an age of extremes and refusing to write off those who don’t agree.
He will delve into the lessons he learned while researching his book, lessons that are not only useful in political debates but in the contexts of our workplaces, campuses and communities. He will also show us how to stand bravely for what we believe in while staying open to other viewpoints, offering a “persuaders playbook” of proven strategies for coming together and making change.
Co-presented by OCAD University, the Leadership Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University and the Open Democracy Project, #DXC23 is the event of the year for those who care about defending democratic values and want to find solutions to protect democracy.
This year’s event will be in person with a virtual option, and will focus on three core themes: integrity of information; economic and social inequality; and trust in governance.
This year’s speakers are leading voices in democracy and include:
- Duff Conacher, internationally recognized leader in democratic reform and government accountability and co-founder of Democracy Watch;
- Akaash Maharaj, Ambassador-at-Large, Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption who is working to combat corruption, strengthening good government and upholding the rule of law;
- Dave Troy, investigative journalist with the Washington Spectator who focuses on exposing threats to democracy;
- Armine Yalnizyan, an economist Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers and a leading voice on Canada’s economic scene; and
- Maria Ressa, Nobel peace Prize Laureate, press freedom fighter and author will deliver the closing keynote address in person on March 25.
Democracy Futures Workshop
This year, the summit is holding a special and new feature, the Democracy Futures Workshop that will bring people together to develop new visions and critical pathways for a resilient democracy.
The March 24 workshop is being designed by OCAD U’s Super Ordinary Laboratory under the leadership of Professor Suzanne Stein and OCADU CO., in collaboration with TMU’s Leadership Lab and Brookfield Institute, participants will consider the question, “How might we create a resilient, successful and sustainable democracy?”
Workshop facilitators will guide groups focused on four themes – climate change, social inequality, misinformation and trust in governance – to uncover new insights, connections, implications and opportunities for a future democracy that is resilient. Limited spaces are available; however, #DXC23 registrants can apply to participate in the workshop after they have secured their summit ticket.
Early-bird tickets available until March 8
Get your early-bird ticket today to take advantage of our best pricing as rates go up on March 8.
There are special discounted tickets just for students.