Rebuilding Democracy’s Narrative Agenda (DNA) is reframing how democracies tell their story

October 29, 2025

The Permanent Secretariat of the Community of Democracies (PSCD) together with the Cornell Brooks School Center on Global Democracy launched initiative ‘Rebuilding Democracy’s Narrative Agenda (DNA)’, a practical initiative to renew how democratic societies communicate the benefits of democracy to citizens in the 21st century.

Democracies face an accelerating narrative challenge: well-resourced adversaries and disinformation campaigns are shaping public perceptions while democratic institutions too often struggle to tell a clear, emotionally resonant story about what democracy delivers. DNA responds to that gap by developing tested, context-sensitive narratives and ready-to-use communications resources that connect democratic principles to people’s everyday concerns: security, prosperity, and dignity.

The project was introduced in Prague’s Forum 2000 at a series of convenings with policymakers, civil society representatives, media professionals, and youth delegates. Participants shared lessons from recent campaigns and began shaping storylines and practical tools designed for adaptation at national and local levels. Work on DNA will continue across a series of regional and international forums in the coming months, where materials will be piloted and refined.

“Democracy succeeds not only because of its institutions, but because of the stories people believe about it,” said Dr. Mantas Adomėnas, Secretary General of the PSCD. “DNA is about giving democracies the language and tools to make that case: clearly, locally, and persuasively.”

The PSCD will publish updates and the playbook of practical resources as the project advances.

Media enquiries: media@community-democracies.org.