By KUNA,
Paris : Over 600 participants from schools of political studies in 16 European countries are attending the Third Summer University for Democracy, being held in Strasbourg.
The Summer University is considered the annual highlight of the Council of Europe schools of political studies, which aim to train the next generation of political, economic, social, and cultural leaders in transition countries.
In his opening speech, Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis said “nobody is immune from the risk of a relapse into authoritarianism” and therefore “we all must remain vigilant regardless of whether a country has been a democracy for a decade, a century, or several centuries.” “At the Council of Europe, we work with all our member states to defend and extend freedom. We provide blueprints for democracy and help our member states to create democratic institutions and to adopt democratic laws,” he added.
He also indicated that “at the end of the day, what makes the difference between a phoney democracy and a real democracy is political culture and political will. In fact, it is people like you who make the difference.” During the course of the week, the participants will attend a series of themed conferences and workshops which will be conducted and moderated by some 75 experts in democracy, international affairs, civil society, and media, as well as international personalities.
The event brings together participants from political studies schools to study common issues and create bilateral and regional opportunities for dialogue. It also gives participants the opportunity to hear from international and European leaders and meet numerous experts from Europe and elsewhere.
The Council of Europe is a political organization set up in 1949. It works to promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops common responses to social, cultural, and legal challenges in its 47 member states.