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Frankfurter Buchmesse

7 - 11 October 2026

From Apathy to Action: The Fight for Democracy in an Age of Bad News
Discussion
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40
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From Apathy to Action: The Fight for Democracy in an Age of Bad News

United Nations Publications
United Nations Publications
United States
Global Stage (Foyer 5.1/6.1)
Frankfurt Calling
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Europe/Berlin

Foyer 5.1/6.1

Global Stage (Foyer 5.1/6.1 | A1)
English
Starts in
1
week
2
days
04
hours
40
minutes
About

In an age where algorithms and disinformation increasingly shape what we see, it becomes increasingly difficult to find encouraging stories and inspiring, positive content. Many of us go on “news diets” to cope with the constant avalanche of doom content. Yet this retreat can have unintended consequences, fueling disengagement and apathy at a time when democracies need informed and active citizens.

This panel will explore how publishers can amplify authors and books that offer solutions, diverse perspectives and lessons from history. It will also examine the responsibility of technology companies in fostering platforms that encourage dialogue and exposure to different viewpoints, rather than reinforcing echo chambers.

Partner

Speakers

Sherif Bakr

General ManagerAl Arabi Publishing and Distributing

Melissa Fleming

Under-Secretary-General for Global CommunicationsUnited Nations

Yuliia Kozlovets

Director of the International Book Arsenal Festival (IBAF)Kyiv, Ukraine

Marten Risius

Professor for Digital Society and Online Engagement and Director of the Institute for Digital Innovation at Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, GermanyAdjunct Senior Fellow at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia