Democracy – Its Purpose and Challenges

The Geneva School of Diplomacy is pleased to welcome Dr. Martin Chungong for the opening session of the Fall Semester 2026 Emerging Issues and Persistent Challenges seminar series.

This session, titled “Democracy – Its Purpose and Challenges,” will explore the role, value, and current pressures facing democratic systems in today’s global context.

Dr. Chungong brings extensive experience in parliamentary diplomacy, democratic governance, multilateral cooperation, and institutional leadership. As Honorary Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2014-2026) and Advisory Council Member of the Geneva School of Diplomacy, he will offer students and participants a timely perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of democracy in a changing international environment.

Event Recap

Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone. It depends on whether people can participate, be represented and trust that their voices matter.

On 17 September 2026, the Geneva School of Diplomacy welcomed Dr. Martin Chungong for “Democracy – Its Purpose and Challenges,” the opening session of the Fall 2026 Emerging Issues and Persistent Challenges series.

Drawing on his extensive experience as Honorary Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Chungong invited students to consider democracy as more than a system of elections. The discussion examined the participation, accountability and responsive institutions required for democratic systems to retain public confidence.

Students from across GSD’s programmes took part in the exchange, including members of the new first-year Bachelor cohort. At the beginning of their studies, they had the opportunity to engage directly with a leading international practitioner and connect questions of democratic governance with the political realities confronting institutions and citizens today.

The session placed students inside the debate, giving them space to raise questions, challenge assumptions and consider what is required for democratic institutions to remain representative, credible and responsive.

Dr. Chungong is a member of the GSD Advisory Council and a recipient of an honorary Doctor of International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy. GSD thanks him for returning to the School and opening the semester with this timely discussion.