Apr 16, 2026
DXC26 features more than 90 presenters, including author and journalist Cory Doctorow, Nobel Prize laureate Daron Acemoglu and business leader and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb
APRIL 16, 2026 (TORONTO) – Against the backdrop of geopolitical upheaval and economic disruption, DemocracyXChange (DXC26), Canada’s premier democracy summit, is bringing together people from the public, private and non-profit sectors to take positive action and strengthen our democracy.
Co-presented by OCAD University, the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and the Open Democracy Project, the seventh edition of DXC takes place from April 16 to 18 in Toronto at OCAD University and the Université de l'Ontario français.
Workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers will address the summit’s theme, Side by Side: Building an Economy That Serves Democracy, exploring how democratic values can shape the design of economic systems and strengthen civic life.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Acclaimed author, activist and journalist Cory Doctorow discusses how Canada can turn the upheaval of American/Canadian relations over the past year into a strategic opportunity to rebuild its tech sector, strengthen digital sovereignty and position itself as a global technology leader.
Professor, scholar and author Dr. Wendy H. Wong speaks about how personal data is collected, used and commodified, and what this means for human rights and democratic accountability.
Political leader, former ambassador and author Bob Rae speaks about the historic challenges to the multinational order established in 1945, and examines which institutions and practices require protection or evolution to meet the current moment.
Researcher, author and founder and public engagement expert Peter MacLeod discusses how democracy is stuck following its initial promise and offers a hopeful vision for what comes next.
Business leader and social entrepreneur Zita Cobb reflects on what it takes to build an economy that serves democracy from the ground up.
Nobel Prize laureate Daron Acemoglu discusses how we redirect the path of innovation to ensure technology serves the many rather than the few.
Utopia Rewired: Creative Visions for Democratic Futures, an art exhibition featuring emerging artists from Canada and the European Union who invite audiences to explore how art can reimagine democratic life and the economic systems that shape it. The exhibition is presented in partnership with OCAD University and the Delegation of the European Union to Canada.
Emerging Leaders: Making the Future brings together leaders from Generations A to Z to explore how challenges are reshaping democracy and how youth are building new pathways for leadership, participation and impact.
In-person tickets are sold out. Virtual tickets and the full summit schedule is available at democracyxchange.org.
QUOTES
“DemocracyXChange is an essential gathering in a time of volatility that moves beyond conversation to action. By engaging with diverse voices and bold solutions, we’re reaffirming our shared responsibility to protect the systems that hold our society together. We want participants to leave the summit with the inspiration and resolve to make a tangible difference in their communities and country,” says André Côté, Executive Director of the Dais at TMU.
“At a time when democratic systems are being tested across the globe, DemocracyXChange is a vital space to confront urgent civic challenges through dialogue, creativity and collective action. By bringing together civil society and business leaders, artists and policymakers to rethink how our economy serves democracy, we aren’t just imagining our futures, we are actively redesigning our democracy,” says OCAD University President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano
“Democracy is built in our communities and our workplaces. At a moment when powerful forces – technological, political, and economic – are actively working against democratic norms, DemocracyXChange brings together civic changemakers who are ready to fight for it. And with our expansion of DXC+ regional events, we're growing the conversation across Canada when it matters most," says Chris Cowperthwaite, Co-Chair and President, Open Democracy Project.
ABOUT THE CO-PRESENTERS
OCAD University (OCAD U), located in downtown Toronto, is Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university. It is a world-famous hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity. Students benefit from hands-on studio learning and have access to state-of-the-art shops and studios for both traditional and digital creation. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, students gain employable skills. Graduates work in different sectors such as urban planning, environmental design, gaming, film, animation, publishing, illustration, graphic design, visual arts and arts administration.
The Dais is a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, working at the intersection of technology, education and democracy to build shared prosperity and citizenship for Canada.
Open Democracy Project is working to strengthen and evolve the practice of democracy in Canada through contributing to the growth of Canada’s democracy sector. It is a not-for-profit incorporated in Canada and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Open Democracy Project’s goal is to foster collaborative and sustainable multi-stakeholder programs that convene, connect and share knowledge to build democratic resilience and protect democratic values.
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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Karen McCarthy, APR
Director, Communications and Media
OCAD University
(514) 826-0597
Presented by
DemocracyXChange is a collaboration of:
