From an article at Swissinfo that is very much suggested reading by the Democracy Chronicles staff. Take a look at this excerpt:

Bern authorities have given the go-ahead for the city to host the ninth Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy next year. The decision, taken by the city council (local executive) on Friday, means that some 500 participants from over 50 countries will descend on the Swiss capital from September 23-26 next year to discuss various aspects of people participation in the modern age.

Though dwarfed in size by some of the previous cities that have hosted the forum (Seoul, San Francisco and Rome), Bern, as the centre of Swiss direct democracy, is well placed to welcome such discussions, according to mayor Alec von Graffenried.

“The conference and its goals fit perfectly in the Swiss capital, with its tradition of direct democracy and its ongoing efforts to expand people participation,” von Graffenried said. “The event will be an opportunity for Bern to put itself at the forefront of international efforts to promote direct democracy.”

See the full announcement at Swissinfo, produced by the Swiss public broadcasting association.