The Democracies Summit 2025, organised by the Institute for Political Studies (IEP) of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, will take place on April 29 at its headquarters in Lisbon and will focus on the theme "Migrations: Challenges and Opportunities".

The event will feature António Vitorino, President of the National Council for Migration and Asylum and former European Commissioner, as keynote speaker at the opening session.

The Summit will bring together secondary school students from all over the country for a dynamic exercise in debate and reflection on migration issues in the context of contemporary democracies. Teachers, diplomatic representatives, experts and guest journalists will also take part, creating an environment conducive to reflection and constructive dialogue.

The topic of migration is of particular relevance today, representing both challenges and opportunities for democratic societies. The Democracies Summit 2025 aims to provide a space where young people can explore the various dimensions of this global phenomenon, promoting a deeper understanding of migration policies, human rights and cultural integration.

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to represent different countries, simulating a large Assembly of Democratic States. This format allows students to debate and negotiate solutions to migration-related issues, developing skills in argumentation, diplomacy and critical thinking.