The Point 12 Conference was held in Sarajevo on June 24-25, followed by the GlobalFact conference on June 26-28, bringing together activists, journalists, academics, and civil society representatives from around the world.
Renowned participants, experts in various fields, addressed topics related to democracy, political accountability, media, fact-checking, and the use of new technologies. The conference was organized by CA “Why not” in partnership with the ACTION SEE and SEE Check networks.
The event covered diverse topics, including the state of fact-checking worldwide, undemocratic tendencies illustrated by the adoption of “foreign agent laws” in various countries, European media and social media regulations (DSA/DMA/CoP/AI Act), the use of artificial intelligence, the state of journalism in Palestine, elections in the USA and European Union and many more.
During the second day of the conference, Ms. Biljana Spasovska, BCSDN Executive Director, presented the transformative potential of the BCSDN Monitoring Matrix, a comprehensive framework developed by and for civil society. Her presentation highlighted the MM efficacy in promoting and setting democratic principles and standards for monitoring basic freedoms, CSO financial viability, sustainability, and cooperation among governments and CSOs.
Ms. Spasovska discussed how the Monitoring Matrix has been instrumental in addressing challenges such as rising state interference, legislative targeting of CSOs, and digital rights violations. She highlighted alarming trends of “foreign agents” narratives and increased inspections in countries like BiH, Serbia, and Turkey. She also talked about the Monitoring Matrix as a tool to enhance transparency, accountability, and civic engagement in the digital age, and the potential of AI for data collection, trend mapping, and early warning systems. She concluded by stressing the need for collective evidence to counter regression and pressure on civic space, fostering a proactive approach to safeguarding civil society.
The conference further highlighted the impact of foreign agents laws, comparing the situations in Georgia, Belarus, Egypt, and BiH. These discussions illustrated how such laws threaten democracy by restricting the activities of civic organizations and labeling them as “foreign agents”. The recent EU elections were also a key topic, with discussions focusing on their implications for civil society and democratic governance, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to protect democratic principles.
Discussions also explored the readiness of the Southeast Europe region for European digital regulations, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Code of Practice (CoP), emphasizing the importance of cooperation to maximize their benefits. Additionally, sessions on digital security emphasized the need for community-based, holistic approaches to cybersecurity.
These discussions collectively underscored the necessity for enhanced advocacy, collaboration, and innovative solutions to safeguard democratic values and freedoms.
For more details, please visit Point website.