Democracy is at a crossroads. Across the world, it is under mounting pressure, as misinformation, declining trust in institutions, rising polarization, foreign interference, and growing extremism erode the foundations of democratic societies.

The Nordic Region has long been recognized for its open, trust-based democracies and strong public institutions. But with the rapid rise of big tech, the information landscape is shifting. Global digital platforms, driven by commercial incentives and guided by opaque algorithms, now play a central role in shaping public debate, political behaviour, and the flow of information.

This shift poses unprecedented challenges for Nordic democracies and raises a pressing question: How is it affecting the younger generation?

Today’s youth are coming of age in a digital environment saturated with misinformation, polarization, and algorithmically mediated interactions. How will they carry democracy forward if their trust in fellow citizens, public institutions, and even in the core values of democracy is tested on a daily basis?

As we gather for Nordic Day 2026, we will explore how to strengthen democratic resilience, inspire civic engagement, and equip the next generation to uphold the values that are central to the Nordic model.

Program