In an era where democracy is being questioned and divisions deepen, we came together in March 2025 for something more than just an event. Democracy in Dissonance – a collaborative initiative between Aikkiya, the United Nations Association of Stockholm, and Folkuniversitetet – became a space for reflection, courage, and collective action.
With nearly 70 participants and four powerful speakers, the day invited us not only to discuss democracy’s crisis – but to respond with empathy, responsibility, and resilience.
🎤 Powerful Voices – Honest Conversations
Our four guest speakers brought deeply different, yet complementary, perspectives:
- Silva Mertsola, reminded us of the power of language and the ideological struggle over democracy’s meaning.
- Jonas Trolle grounded the discussion in real-world challenges, including radicalization and the neglect of young boys in marginalized schools.
- Michael Pålsson, a legal activist, clarified the role of civil disobedience and what it means to take full responsibility in the justice system.
- Martin Westin inspired the room with his message on the power of dialogue and how terms like “democracy” and “human rights” risk losing their meaning if not used with care.
The audience was highly engaged – many stayed for the entire day, and some even invited friends to join midway through. The atmosphere was intimate, the energy tangible.
🧭 What Kind of Peacemaker Are You?
As a natural follow-up to the event, we launched the “What Kind of Peacemaker Are You?” quiz – a tool for self-reflection to help you discover your peacebuilding style:
Whether you’re a Bridge Builder, Advocate, Healer, Educator, Integrator, or Diplomat, your voice is needed. Because democracy isn’t just a system – it’s a living interaction between people.
💡 From Words to Action
During the second part of the day, we facilitated ideation workshops where participants co-created nine project ideas, including:
- A YouTube podcast to raise democratic awareness through expert interviews
- Intergenerational hubs for skill exchange (digital tools, crafts, life experience)
- Projects for youth not in education or employment, shaped by their own input
- Community bonding activities like night football and BBQs in local areas
- SL campaign on empathy and public art to shift narratives during the holidays
- Monitoring of new legislation and public engagement in democratic processes
- Exploring local currencies to reduce economic disparity and build resilience
- Safe conversation spaces online and offline to counter hate and polarization
- Study circles to build immunity to disinformation and strengthen civic bonds
The workshops were a learning process. While the method worked well, some participants felt hesitant to commit to new people or groups. What many wanted was a space to share ideas, not obligations – a valuable insight we will take forward.
🤝 What Comes Next?
We’re now exploring ways to build on the momentum. One proposal is a Democracy Forge – a physical and digital space where citizens can continue to shape and grow their initiatives together.
Many speakers have expressed their willingness to return, and some of the workshop groups are continuing their conversations.
Want to be part of what comes next?
📩 Reach out to us at info@aikkiya.org
📢 Follow Aikkiya on social media for updates and upcoming invitations.
Democracy in Dissonance showed us that even in difficult times, people want to meet, think, and act together.
And that we all carry different strengths as peacebuilders.
So—what kind of peacemaker are you?
Take the quiz. Let it be your first step in something greater.
/Kristina Rosic
Secretary General, Aikkiya – Voices for Peaceful Diversity
