The Toronto Democracy Forum is the flagship annual gathering of the World Anti-Extremism Network (WAEN), bringing together scholars, practitioners, civil society leaders, and democracy advocates from across the MENA, Central Asia, and South Asia, to advance and defend human dignity and democratic values. It provides a dedicated platform for dialogue, research, and collective action focused on understanding how authoritarian regimes erode freedoms, undermine institutions, and weaken the foundations of democratic societies. Through this forum, WAEN seeks to strengthen global responses to these challenges by fostering informed discussion, shared learning, and practical strategies for resistance and reform.

Held over two days each year, the Toronto Democracy Forum features a rich program of keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions, group working sessions, and data-driven lectures. A central feature of the forum is its research presentations, where participants present evidence-based studies and field insights on issues such as civil resistance, democratic backsliding, transnational repression, and authoritarian governance. These sessions create space for critical analysis and solution-oriented dialogue, translating research and lived experience into actionable ideas for policy, advocacy, and community engagement.

The forum also plays a vital role in strengthening global networks among democracy defenders, enabling participants to build partnerships, exchange best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that promote accountability and democratic resilience. By equipping attendees with knowledge, tools, and cross-border connections, the Toronto Democracy Forum empowers them to drive meaningful change within their own communities and beyond.