For more than a decade, democracy has been declining globally. Today we have more countries in the world where democracy is backsliding than countries with a positive democratic development. The situation has drastically deteriorated during the covid-19 pandemic. Countries that have become more authoritarian have used the pandemic to increase control over their populations and restrict civil liberties and rights. Threats and violence against human rights defenders are escalating in many parts of the world. Still, activists are struggling for democracy and defending their rights – often while risking their lives. How can we reverse the negative trend regarding democratic development globally? What can we learn from democracy activists around the world and how they work locally and nationally? How can we prevent restrictions introduced during the pandemic from becoming permanent? A discussion between democracy activists from Cambodia, Kenya and Belarus, researcher from V-dem institute and representatives from Sida and Civil Rights Defenders.