Forum Offene Gesellschaft [Forum Open Society]

A space for debate, new perspectives and open discourse

Democracy, freedom of expression, human rights, social cohesion, crises and political change: the Forum Offene Gesellschaft [Forum Open Society] focuses on issues that shape our present.

At Leipzig Book Fair, the Forum creates a space for open discourse. International authors, politicians, academics, activists and journalists bring their diverse experiences, viewpoints and arguments together in conversation.

The aim is not to provide simple answers. The aim is to highlight contrasting perspectives, allow arguments to engage with one another, and provide space for even difficult questions. Panel discussions and talks invite participants to listen, question established positions and form their own opinions.

The focus is on key issues affecting our society, such as democracy and the shift to the right, crises and wars, fact-checking and fake news, freedom of expression and human rights.

The Forum Offene Gesellschaft is located in Hall 5, Stand K500.

The Forum Offene Gesellschaft programme will be published from 18 February 2027.