Democratic governance is facing a period of profound strain, shaped by declining public trust, rising inequality, geopolitical fragmentation, and the accelerating influence of digital technologies. Convened alongside the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings 2025, We the People: Defending Democracy—from Crisis to Collective Action brings together global leaders across sectors to examine how democratic systems can be renewed, protected, and made more resilient. The report situates democracy not only as a political system, but as a set of interconnected economic, technological, and social infrastructures that require coordinated stewardship in an era of systemic disruption.
Drawing on discussions across multiple sessions, the report explores how challenges such as digital authoritarianism, economic exclusion, geopolitical realignment, and the erosion of public goods are reshaping the conditions under which democracy operates. It highlights the ways in which technology can both undermine and reinforce democratic values, the growing importance of inclusive governance models, and the need to rethink sovereignty, participation, and institutional legitimacy. Across themes—from citizen security and data governance to trade, health systems, and the commons—the report underscores that democratic resilience depends on bridging policy, technology, and civic engagement in more integrated and accountable ways.
The report advances a collective action agenda centered on rebuilding trust, strengthening institutional capacity, and embedding human-centered principles into governance systems. It emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration, inclusive economic participation, and ethical technology governance, alongside practical pathways such as civic education, participatory models, and coalition-building. Ultimately, it positions democracy as an evolving system—one that requires continuous renewal through aligned policy, innovation, and collective responsibility to ensure that economic and technological progress remains anchored in equity, accountability, and public trust.
