ATHENS dEMOCRACY FORUM
YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM

Over the course of the week, participants take part in several core program components:

• A student symposium with international peers
  The program begins with a youth symposium bringing together about 60 students from universities around the world. Through workshops, panels and discussions, participants explore key themes related to democracy, civic engagement, and global challenges.

• Participation in the Athens Democracy Forum
  Students attend the Athens Democracy Forum, a three-day international gathering where global leaders, scholars, journalists, and activists explore the biggest challenges facing democracy today. Through workshops, debates, panels, and keynotes, participants see democracy in action and gain firsthand insight into the ideas and practices shaping its future worldwide.

• Field visits and cultural programming
  Participants will explore Athens through site visits and cultural programming, connecting the city’s historical legacy with contemporary democratic life. The program may also include a day trip to nearby sites such as Delphi, Corinth or Epidaurus. 

• Conversations with Canadian civic leaders
  Students will meet with Canadian civil society leaders and practitioners to explore how global conversations on democracy connect with civic work in Canada. The program includes a reception hosted by the Embassy of Canada, offering a unique opportunity to engage with diplomats and discuss Canadian perspectives on civic engagement and international collaboration.

Who Should Apply?

The program is intended for TMU undergraduate students who are interested in topics such as:

• Democracy and governance

• Political philosophy 

• Civic engagement

• Public policy

• Political participation

• Global affairs

Students from a wide range of disciplines are welcome.

Participants should be in clear academic standing and be able to attend the full week of programming.

Why Athens?

Athens is widely recognized as the historical birthplace of democracy, making it a powerful setting to explore the challenges and future of democratic governance.

The program is hosted by the Demos Center at The American College of Greece, an internationally recognized hub for democracy education and civic dialogue. Through its workshops and programming, students engage with scholars and practitioners working on democratic participation, civic innovation, and public leadership.

Students also participate in the Athens Democracy Forum, an internationally renowned event organized by the Democracy & Culture Foundation in association with The New York Times. Each year, the Forum convenes global leaders, policymakers, journalists, academics, and civil society representatives to debate the most pressing challenges facing democracies worldwide.

Together, these experiences allow students to engage directly with both the historical foundations of democracy and the global conversations shaping its future.

Let us know you’re interested

Thinking about joining the Athens Democracy Forum Youth Leaders Program? Fill out this quick form below to stay in the loop.

This is not a formal application -  it just helps us understand student interest and share updates about the program, including confirmed dates, costs, and funding opportunities. 

Submitting the form ensures you’ll be among the first to hear when the application opens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Athens Democracy Forum?

The Athens Democracy Forum (ADF) is an annual international gathering that brings together policymakers, journalists, scholars, civil society leaders, and young leaders to address the most urgent questions facing democracies today. The Forum examines how democratic systems can evolve to meet modern challenges — from safeguarding human rights and civic engagement to harnessing technology for democratic renewal. Rooted in Athens’ legacy as the birthplace of democracy, ADF combines high-level discussion with practical, action-oriented workshops, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with global leaders and innovators shaping the future of democratic life.

Do I need to study political science to participate?

No. Students from many disciplines are encouraged to apply. The program focuses on democratic participation and civic life, which intersect with fields such as philosophy, law, economics, journalism, public policy, technology, and international relations.

Will I meet students from other countries?

Yes. Participants join an international student cohort that includes students from institutions within the Global Liberal Arts Alliance and other partner universities.

Where will students stay?

Students will be housed in a hotel in central Athens, close to the conference venues. 

Are there opportunities to apply what I learn?

Yes. Depending on your course, participation may be linked to related coursework, giving you a chance to integrate your learning academically. In addition, all students will take part in a collaborative output from the student symposium, reflecting on what they learned and exploring how these insights could be applied to civic engagement in Canada.

How long is the program?

The program lasts one week, from Saturday, September 26 to Saturday, October 3, including arrival, orientation, participation in the Forum, workshops, and group reflection and a day trip excursion. 

What costs are involved?

The estimated cost for participating in the program is approximately CAD $3,500 per student, which includes flights, accommodation, conference registration fees, program participation, and a portion of meals and local activities.

The program team is working to secure funding to reduce the overall cost for students. Additionally, bursaries and financial support will be available. Students for whom cost may be a barrier are strongly encouraged to apply.

Final costs and funding details will be shared during the application process.