Adelaide SA, Australia
Democracy Innovation Festival: Securing Healthy Societies Through Democratic Renewal
📅 Date: Monday 17 to Tuesday 18 August 2026
⌚ Time: See program overview below
📍 Location: Adelaide University City West Campuses & Online (see program overview below for specific locations)
Adelaide University, in partnership with Democracy 2036, invites you to be part of a bold and timely conversation about the future of democracy.
The Democracy Innovation Festival brings together leading Australian and international thinkers, policymakers, researchers, students, civic leaders, and community advocates to explore how democratic systems can be renewed to support healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive societies.
At a time of declining trust in institutions, rising political polarisation, and rapid technological change, this two-day hybrid festival examines the foundations of democratic life – from civic participation and education to governance, artificial intelligence, and Indigenous sovereignty – and asks:
How can we strengthen democracy for the challenges ahead?
Grounded in Adelaide University’s Personal & Societal Health Research Strategy, the Festival recognises that democratic institutions, civic trust, and political equality are essential to both societal wellbeing and national resilience.
Designed to be free, inclusive, participatory, and action-oriented, the Festival is not just a conversation – but the beginning of ongoing collaboration and democratic renewal in South Australia and beyond.
What to Expect:
Across two dynamic days of in-person and online programming, attendees can engage with:
Opening plenaries and keynote conversations from leading scholars and practitioners
Expert panels and public discussions on democratic participation, education, leadership, and innovation
Interactive workshops and Active Citizen Labs focused on real-world democratic challenges
Hands-on skills labs to build practical civic capability (e.g. engaging parliament, writing submissions, understanding rights)
Sessions exploring technology, AI, and collective intelligence in strengthening democracy
Dedicated opportunities for students, early-career researchers, and young people
A Schools Democracy Innovation Challenge showcasing student ideas and democratic visions
A Citizen Pledge initiative inviting participants to commit to actions that support democratic renewal
The Festival will also feature the launch of Democracy 2036, a forward-looking initiative focused on long-term democratic reform and innovation.
Whether you are a student, researcher, policymaker, or engaged citizen, this Festival offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to the future of democracy.