To mark its 20th anniversary and the publication of the book *Défendons la démocratie!* by Éditions de la Martinière, Cartooning for Peace is taking over the Théâtre de la Concorde for a major, festive community event dedicated to the fight for democracy.
In the face of growing pressure on the media, the spread of disinformation and attacks on freedom of the press observed in many parts of the world, this event will invite participants to reflect on contemporary democratic challenges and ways of tackling them collectively. Political cartoons, acting as both a barometer and a watchdog of democracy, will be the central theme of the discussions. Debates, talks and live cartoon-drawing sessions will form the backbone of this event, which is open to all, with the participation of numerous cartoonists who are members of the Cartooning for Peace network.
In an era marked by crises, tensions and isolationism, this event aims to remind us that art, humour and collective engagement remain powerful tools for defending fundamental freedoms, fostering public debate and reinvigorating democratic action.
The evening, held under the patronage of Plantu (founder and honorary president of Cartooning for Peace), will be hosted by Kak (president of Cartooning for Peace) and Vladimir Vasak (senior correspondent at Arte).
Chappatte (Switzerland), Liza Donnelly (USA), Kak (France), Kichka (Israel), Kroll (Belgium), Landschulz (Germany), Marie Morelle (France), Mykaïa (France), Piet (France), Plantu (France), Lars Refn (Denmark), Rodho (France), Sié (France), Truant (France), Urbs (France), Vadot (Belgium), Yas (France), Zohoré (Ivory Coast)
A tribute will be paid to the cartoonists Ashraf Omar (Egypt) and Al-Hazza (Saudi Arabia), who are currently in prison, to Semyon Skrepetsky (Russia), who was murdered in June 2026, and to Safaa Odah (Palestine), winner of the Pause Programme and the 2026 Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award.
Cartooning for Peace will also give young people a prominent role, showcasing their creativity, commitment and voices, accompanied by music from Sefoudi Kouyate and Mamko (Korafoll’art association).
The evening will also provide an opportunity to promote the launch of Cartooning for Peace’s new book, *Défendons la démocratie !*, published by Éditions de la Martinière.
On 24 September 2026, an international delegation of press cartoonists who are members of Cartooning for Peace was received by the City of Paris, which has supported the organisation for many years. This meeting at the Hôtel de Ville provided an opportunity to highlight the situation of cartoonists imprisoned in their own countries and to discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism.
Following this meeting, the cartoonists created a mural dedicated to the defence of democracy on the esplanade of the Hôtel de Ville. This mural was subsequently donated to the City of Paris. On this occasion, Ms Pulvar, Deputy Mayor of Paris responsible for international relations, Europe and the Francophonie, emphasised the importance of this collective effort to defend fundamental rights, press freedom and democratic values.
© Hugo Meas
Cartooning for Peace would like to thank all its partners for their invaluable support.
Théâtre de la Concorde, La Ville de Paris, Le Monde, France Médias Monde, Amnesty International, Reporters sans frontières, Éditions de La Martinière, La Fondation Jean-Jaurès, Artivistas, Dessinez Créez Liberté, Centre International de la Caricature, du Dessin de Presse et de l’Humour, La Maison du dessin de presse, Freedom Cartoonists, Cartoonists Rights, CFC – Centre Français d’exploitation du droit de Copie, Le Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères, MGEN et l’AFD – Agence Française de Développement.
Cartoon credit: Firuz Kutal (Norway)
Cartooning for Peace turns 20, The Daily Cartoonist, friday 25 september 2026
Cheerleaders For Democracy, Liza Donnelly, sunday 27 september 2026
Liberté de la presse : en Côte d’Ivoire, l’art de la satire, Retours de terrains,Cultures Monde, France Culture, friday 25 september 2026
