Democracy Forum 2024

The 2024 Democracy Forum brought together global changemakers, including President Obama, to tackle a key challenge: how to meaningfully engage across differences, even when it’s difficult. Through discussions with speakers like Ryan Reynolds and Reyna Roberts and hands-on workshops with partners like Civic Nation (Opens in a new tab), we explored the power of storytelling and connection and how the concept of pluralism works in real life. Attendees, both in person and virtual, left with tools to foster dialogue, bridge divides, and strengthen communities.

Moving Forward

Pluralism isn’t just an idea—it’s a generational practice. Explore these resources to take action in your community and continue the work of strengthening democracy.

Mónica Guzmán, a woman with a light skin tone smiles as she speaks to an audience at the 2024 Democracy Forum. She has short brown hair and bangs. She is wearing a pink top and multicolored leather jacket.

1/13

A group of people with a range of light and medium skin tones gather for a selfie. They are all dressed professionally.

2/13

Eboo Patel, a man with a medium skin tone, speaks to an audience. A sign in the background reads, “Obama Foundation Democracy Forum.”

3/13

Finale Doshi-Velez speaks at the 2024 Democracy Forum. She has a medium skin tone and is wearing a red and orange scarf.

4/13

Kansas state Reps. Brandon Woodard and Tory Marie Blew, and Layla Zaidane have a conversation on stage. All are dressed professionally and have a range of light and medium skin tones.

5/13

Reyna Roberts, a woman with red hair and a dark skin tone, sings at the 2024 Democracy Forum. She is wearing brown leather.

6/13

Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett opens the 2024 Democracy Forum.

7/13

Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, a woman with a light skin tone and curly black hair, speaks to an audience at the 2024 Democracy Forum. She is wearing a red dress.

8/13

Manu Meel, Nika Kovǎc, Ainka Jackson join President Obama on stage for a conversation about hope and pluralism. All are a range of light to dark skin tones.

9/13

Manu Meel, Nika Kovǎc, Ainka Jackson join President Obama on stage for a conversation about hope and pluralism. All are a range of light to dark skin tones.

10/13

A large audience in a dimly blue lit room listens to President Obama Speak at the 2024 Democracy Forum.

11/13

President Obama speaks at the 2024 Democracy Forum. Behind him a sign reads, “Obama Foundation Democracy Forum.”

12/13

Ryan Reynolds sits on a stage at the 2024 Democracy Forum alongside Country Star Reyna Roberts and Ayad Akhtar. All are a range of light to dark skin tones.

13/13

What was it like in person

Put pluralism into practice

Put pluralism into practice

Explore our toolkits full of resources, and actions for you to take the next steps in your community.

View the resources

Meet some of our speakers

See all speakers
A gray crewneck features The Obama Foundation rising sun logo in black.

The Obama Foundation Shop

Show your support today. Find T-shirts, Mugs, and Vintage Gear.

Shop the collection (Opens in a new tab)

Event sponsors

A list of sponsors: Connie Ballmer, Gwen Weiner, MacArthur Foundation, Capital One, Katie & Brent Gledhill, The Joyce Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Thank you to the 2024 Democracy Forum sponsors including Connie Ballmer, Gwen Weiner, The MacArthur Foundation (Opens in a new tab), Capital One (Opens in a new tab), Katie and Brent Gledhill, The Joyce Foundation (Opens in a new tab), and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (Opens in a new tab).

SUPPORT FUTURE CHANGEMAKERS

Every young person's dream matters, no matter where they're from or what they look like. Donate today to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation to change their world.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

Sign up for the latest on the Obama Foundation

Get the latest news and updates by signing up for Obama Foundation emails. (All fields required.)