Explore The Foyer
This year, we are excited to have a lineup of exhibits, exciting initiatives, and hands-on interactive experiences taking place in our foyer. Check out them out!
UKRAINE HALL
VARTA Project: Documentary Novel “SHE”
VARTA is a series of documentary novellas created by Ukrainian photographer, film director, and producer Maryana Shafro, together with director, cinematographer, and producer Yevhen Matviienko. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the team has been documenting Ukrainian soldiers to preserve their faces, stories, and lived experiences as part of Ukraine's contemporary history.
The fourth novella, "She," tells the stories of women serving in various military roles: medics, snipers, and assault soldiers. Through their personal accounts, the film reveals the realities of war - their emotions, experiences, and the inner strength that drives them. The novella is dedicated to the memory of one of its heroines - Valentyna "Valkyria," who gave her life for Ukraine and did not live to see this film.
Saint Javelin x Alliance of Democracies
We're excited to welcome Saint Javelin back to #CDS2026. Founded by Canadian journalist Christian Borys, Saint Javelin started as a $500 sticker campaign in support of Ukraine and has since grown into a global movement raising over $2.5 million - with all products made in Ukraine, profits going directly back into Ukrainian manufacturing and frontline aid.They'll be at the Playhouse with limited edition co-branded merch between Alliance of Democracies and Saint Javelin, specially produced for Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2026.
"Democracy stands because the Ukrainian infantry stands"
"Democracy stands because the Ukrainian infantry stands" is an installation by the Ukrainian Infantry, presented by Ukraine House in Denmark in collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Denmark and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The installation features combat-worn boots from Ukrainian infantry soldiers who have served on one of the most intense frontlines of Russia's war of aggression.
Unveiled in May to commemorate Ukraine's Infantry Day, it honours the men and women who bear the weight of Europe's security on their shoulders. A pair of boots tells a silent story of courage - of someone who stood so others may live free.
"The War They Live" - an exhibition by the Kyiv Independent
An exhibition by the Kyiv Independent, curated by photo editor Irynka Hromotska in collaboration with Ukrainian photographer Sergey Melnitchenko. In early 2025, Melnitchenko distributed 25 disposable film cameras to soldiers across the front line, inviting them to document their everyday lives. Each camera was returned with a handwritten letter and a personal artifact - a piece of shrapnel, a flight jacket patch, a part of a drone, or a MacCoffee pouch. The result is a rare historical snapshot from within the war, told directly through the eyes of those who fight it.
A Ukrainian translation of Hal Koch's "What is Democracy?"
Hal Koch's work offers a vision of democracy as a living culture, sustained by dialogue, civic responsibility, and the active participation of its citizens - carrying particular relevance for Ukraine today. The translation is a collaboration between Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy (DIPD), the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, ALDE, and Ukraїner. The book is launched at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2026, with 200 physical copies available in the foyer for Ukrainian-reading guests.
“The Pillar of Shame” by Jens Galschiøt
The Pillar of Shame is an eight-metre copper sculpture erected in Hong Kong in 1997 by Danish artist Jens Galschiøt, depicting 50 torn and twisted bodies to commemorate those who died in the Tiananmen Square crackdown of 1989.
In 2021, China removed the sculpture from the University of Hong Kong - the only monument in China to commemorate the massacre. It remains locked inside a container in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, copies are being 3D-printed across the world. China took down one Pillar of Shame and got thousands in return.
"The Battle for Taiwan" by Jonas Parello-Plesner
Taiwan is a geopolitical hotspot - militarily, financially, and as the frontline of freedom. Alliance of Democracies Foundation Executive Director Jonas Parello-Plesner draws on conversations with top politicians, microchip executives, military personnel, Taiwanese volunteer soldiers in Ukraine, and digital experts to paint a close-up picture of how Taiwan ensures its resilience against China. Reviewed in Foreign Affairs and Politico China Watcher. Available in Danish and English in the foyer.
NEWS CORNER
Democracy News Alliance (DNA)
The Democracy News Alliance (DNA) is a collaborative news initiative established by five leading global news agencies: AFP (France), ANSA (Italy), The Canadian Press (Canada), dpa (Germany), and PA Media (UK), with additional editorial support from the Associated Press.
DNA was founded in response to a deepening global democratic crisis. According to the V-Dem project's Democracy Report 2025, approximately 72% of the global population now lives under autocratic rule - the highest proportion since 1978.
DNA operates a specialized news service dedicated to real-time monitoring of democratic developments worldwide, structured around 106 scientifically validated indicators covering freedom of expression, electoral fairness, gender equality, and political corruption. Bridging the gap between fast-moving news cycles and academic research, DNA enables early recognition of democratic backsliding and progress - supporting better-informed decisions by international organizations, governments, think tanks, and foundations.
DEMOCRACY CORNER
World Liberty Congress
The World Liberty Congress (WLC) is a global alliance dedicated to defending democracy and supporting freedom movements in autocratic regions. The organization builds cross-border connections among pro-democracy activists, movements, and leaders to create a united front against authoritarianism. At its core, the WLC's mission goes beyond collaboration - it is a commitment to building lasting, border-transcending connections that unite diverse voices around justice, human rights, and the shared goal of making freedom a reality for all.
You will have a chance to meet prominent activists from Word Liberty congress at the Foyer during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit 2026!
Democracy Tech Garden [Democracy Tech Entrepreneur Fellowship]
Launched in 2021, the Democracy Tech Entrepreneur Fellowship invests in tech entrepreneurs building tools to protect civic space, defend digital rights, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Over five months, fellows from Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, and Armenia take part in masterclasses and mentoring sessions led by tech experts and democracy practitioners - developing the skills to start and scale ventures that make a real difference.
The Fellowship culminates with a pitch on the main stage at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. Meet this year's fellows and learn about the projects they're building for democracy.