THE WORLD FORUM 2025: A NEW WORLD ORDER NEEDED - WITH EUROPEAN VALUES

A NEW WORLD ORDER NEEDED — WITH EUROPEAN VALUES

At this critical juncture in history, as democracy faces unprecedented challenges from authoritarianism, AI-driven disruptions, and rising political extremism, Europe must reclaim its role as a global leader in shaping the future. Democracy and human rights were born in Europe, and they must be safeguarded by Europe. The world is changing rapidly, and a New World Order is needed—one that upholds European values of freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law. If we fail to act, political business as usual will allow extremists to rise, threatening the very foundations of democracy. To counteract this, we need bold ideas, innovative governance, and new democratic models that can protect against misinformation and technological exploitation.

On March 18 and 19, THE WORLD FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY, AI/TECH, AND HUMANKIND will serve as a platform for defining new visions and solutions. It will discuss policy recommendations, legal frameworks, and global strategies to ensure that democracy evolves alongside technological progress—strengthened, not undermined, by AI and digital transformation. A WORLD COUNCIL ON AI shall establish a framework for AI, algorithms, social media, and digital life to elevate and not endanger democracy, freedom, and humankind.

THE WORLD FORUM will include contributions from Pope Francis, US President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson KC, former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert, Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa, Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, and longevity scientist Professor David Sinclair, who will present advancements in reversing aging and extending the human lifespan.

Among the 200 speakers across nearly 50 panel discussions, the world’s leading minds in ethics, technology, and governance—including ethicist Peter Singer, the first female Muslim Imam, and AI pioneers—will contribute groundbreaking insights. The World Forum will unite brilliant thinkers to create meaningful solutions and define leadership—guided by heroes who will illuminate the path forward.

Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, who stood against President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte—a leader recently brought before the International Criminal Court in The Hague—has tirelessly fought for truth in the digital age. Despite facing multiple arrests and threats, she has pioneered alternative social media platforms and search engines. Now, she will join the World Council on AI to develop global standards for algorithms, social media, and digital ethics. Together with leading tech providers, she will explore how major media organizations can create independent social platforms rooted in truth and journalistic integrity.

Geoffrey Robertson, one of the world’s foremost human rights lawyers and an architect of the abolition of the death penalty in the Commonwealth, will work with us to define war crimes in the 21st century. He will also introduce the concept of a World Security Council of Democratic Nations, ensuring that global security decisions are made by those committed to democracy and human rights.

Professor David Sinclair will discuss cutting-edge research on reversing aging, preventing disease, and extending human longevity—redefining the boundaries of what is possible for future generations.

AI godfather Yoshua Bengio and Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, representing Pope Francis, will address the moral and ethical implications of AI. They will discuss how AI can be harnessed for human progress while preventing existential threats to humanity.

Cinema for Peace and the Embassy of France, Berlin hosted a special screening of The Cranes Call

The World Forum became the stage on Monday night for a powerful and urgent film screening—The Cranes Call. This gripping documentary, directed by Laura Warner, follows investigators Anya Neistat, Solomiia Stasiv and the Clooney Foundation for Justice as they uncover war crimes in Ukraine and fight to bring perpetrators to justice. With executive producers Secretary Hillary Clinton and Jaka Bizilj, the film shines a light on the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of devastation. Following the screening, Secretary Clinton and the filmmakers took part in an exclusive Q&A session, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of this vital exposé. The film will be available world wide through Gathr.

Cinema for Peace and The Pioneer hosted a special screening of The Click Trap

On Sunday night, Cinema for Peace and The Pioneer hosted a special screening of The Click Trap—winner of the Cinema for Peace Dove for The Most Valuable Film of the Year. The film exposes how digital advertising algorithms manipulate users, while major tech corporations continue to profit from disinformation despite claiming to regulate harmful content.

The screening, held on The Pioneer Two—the world’s most advanced media ship—was hosted by director Peter Porta and The Pioneer’s founding member Chelsea Spieker. A compelling Q&A session followed, where audience members engaged in discussions on technology’s impact on free speech, democracy, and the next generation.

In this era of geopolitical transformation, Europe has the potential to reassert itself as the cradle of democracy and human rights. With the EU’s economic strength and historical legacy, it is uniquely positioned to lead global efforts in defending democratic institutions—particularly in the digital age.

The rapid development of AI, particularly in security and social applications, demands ethical oversight and regulatory action. If Europe does not take the lead, the global AI landscape will be shaped by actors who prioritize power and control over human rights and democratic values.

Former Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović has called for deeper European integration, proposing a “United States of Europe” as a response to global challenges. A more unified Europe could serve as a counterweight to rising authoritarian regimes and economic dominance from China and the United States.

However, the challenge is not only about governance—it is about participation. New forms of democracy are needed to engage citizens in shaping the future. Without greater public involvement, the democratic process risks stagnation.

If Europe truly aspires to establish a value-based world order, it must rise to the occasion. Leadership in AI ethics, digital democracy, and global security is not optional—it is a necessity. Without decisive action, the future will be shaped by those who prioritize misinformation, surveillance, and authoritarian control over democratic integrity.

The time for bold leadership is now.

Click to watch the trailer for The Cranes Call by Laura Warner

Click to watch the trailer for The Click Trap by Peter Porta

f you would like to join our global screening initiative and host your own human rights or environmental screening in your hometown, please feel free to contact us at info@cinemaforpeace.com.