International Youth Think Tank

The call to the next International Youth Conference is now open! 🔗🚀 https://lnkd.in/dXaV38qY This is a unique chance to make your voice heard, engage with scholars and policy makers and innovate democracy, all while meeting an exciting cohort of peers. Anyone aged 18 to 24 living in the USA by the time of the conference is welcome to apply, regardless of citizenship. Do you know someone who would be interested? Make sure to share the call! Apply by filling the form at the link above.

'In a world where too many voices are unheard and democratic processes are increasingly under threat, the role of young minds in shaping the future of democracy has never been more crucial. As authoritarian regimes seek to undermine democratic values, the youth of Africa must rise to the challenge, advocating for peace, equality, and justice across our continent.' Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the International Youth Conference and Nobel Symposia, organized by the International Youth Think Tank (IYTT) and hosted by STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Over the course of this inspiring event, I engaged with incredible young leaders from across Africa to discuss the pressing challenges facing our democracies. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of the complex issues surrounding democracy but also reinforced my commitment as a law student to advocate for justice and democratic principles. The policy proposals we developed, which will be published in the coming weeks, reflect our collective vision for a more equitable and democratic world. As I continue my studies in law, I am excited to apply the insights and skills gained from this conference to my academic and professional pursuits. I am proud to now be an IYTT fellow and look forward to integrating this experience into my future work as a legal advocate. Stay tuned for more updates on our proposals! #DemocracyInAction #YouthLeadership #Africa #IYTT2024 #PeaceAndDemocracy #LawAndJustice

I’m thrilled to share that I recently attended the International Youth Think Tank Conference at STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study focused on strengthening democracy. Surrounded by brilliant minds, I engaged in thought-provoking discussions on democracy and social impact. The conference was a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and experiences that challenged my thinking and broadened my understanding of democratic principles. Key takeaways: -Democracy is a continuous process that requires active citizen engagement. -Personal growth is essential to effective leadership and creating positive change. This conference was more than just an event - it was a transformative experience that reignited my passion for leadership, democracy, and community development. I left with renewed energy, valuable connections, and a deeper commitment to driving positive impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and with fellow change-makers! Let's continue to inspire, empower, and lead together! Special thank you to STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study International Youth Think Tank Heidi October Stellenbosch University Ishmael Mabena Reon van der Merwe Amonge Sinxoto Ruth Kasanga Kaitlyn Albertyn Jan-Hendrik Pretorius Angela Khumalo Noor Ahmad (she/her) Taylen Reddy

25 to 29 August was a transformative week of an African approach to democracy entrepreneurship at STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study. Myself and 23 other International Youth Think Tank Youth Fellows spent a rigorous week formulating policy proposals on the advancement of democracy, utilising an African centered and bottom-up approach. We were also privileged to be advised by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Karman, Milyon Tekle-Haile, Kim Angell and Heidi October just to name a few. Thank you to the International Youth Think Tank, The Nobel Prize, STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development, Stellenbosch University , and my fellow Youth Fellows for making it the week that it was. I look forward to our proposals not just remaining on paper but being implemented within and for our continent!

This past August, I had the privilege of participating in the International Youth Think Tank Symposium held at Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, bringing together 24 remarkable participants alongside Nobel Laureates, scholars, and professionals. The symposium was dedicated to the shared vision of inspiring and innovating democracy for a brighter future. Guided by Nobel Laureates, experts, and distinguished scholars we rigorously worked on formulating policy proposals aimed at advancing democracy across our continent. These discussions were more than just theoretical; they were deeply practical, focusing on how we, as young leaders, can contribute to revitalizing democratic systems to make them more inclusive and resilient. This experience has left me feeling empowered and motivated to see our proposals come to life, not just as ideas on paper, but as tangible actions that will benefit our continent. I am deeply grateful to the International Youth Think Tank, The Nobel Prize, Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study, Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development, Stellenbosch University, and my fellow IYTT Fellows for making this week so impactful. I look forward to the journey ahead as we work together to strengthen democracy worldwide.

This Sunday, International Youth Think Tank’s 6th Youth Conference starts. It is special in many ways. This year it is not just an IYTT Youth Conference, it is also a Nobel Symposium in Peace with a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. It is also the first time the IYTT Youth Conference will be held in Africa. In Africa, the world’s demographically youngest continent, many countries hold elections during the super election year of 2024. The V-Dem Democracy Report 2024 identifies Sub-Saharan Africa as the part of the world which holds the world’s largest number of democratizing countries, but also, the largest number of autocratizing countries. The International IDEA’s yearly Global State of Democracy 2022 and 2023 reports stress that African youth drive new movements that claim better policies, challenge human rights abuses, and demand better economic outcomes and freedom in politics and culture. The 6th IYTT Youth Conference and Nobel Symposia NS203 brings together 24 young people between the ages of 18 and 28, from the eight countries Botswana, Nigeria, Malawi, Pakistan, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. “I am running across the continent preaching a democracy and an approach to peace that focuses on results, than divides the parties engaged on lines of freedom fighters and dictators, and siblings and foes. Attending the conference will widen my scope”, says Ambrose Ngobi, conference participant from Uganda. “It’s a great opportunity to arrange our first Youth Conference in South Africa. My hope for the conference is that all the amazing 24 African conference participants will contribute novel arguments and ideas on how to realize a democratic, peaceful, and equitable future”, says Urban Strandberg, IYTT Manager and Co-founder. Read the whole news item here: https://lnkd.in/dNwKSgsg In collaboration with: STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development Stellenbosch University The Norwegian Nobel Institute The IYTT is hosted by Lindholmen Science Park

Proudly presenting our Youth Fellow Bia Menges as a speaker at the The 12th Athens Democracy Forum in October!

🤝Time to meet the Speak Up partners! This time, we speak to Urban Strandberg, a professor of political science at the Göteborgs universitet, and director of International Youth Think Tank (IYTT). The IYTT focuses on empowering youth aged 18 to 24 to drive positive global change, particularly emphasizing democracy and openness. Want to know all about this unique way of #participation and #CitizenEngagement? 📖 Read the article on our website 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFZBAHK2 #Participation #Democracy #Youth #Workingtogether #Globalchange Interreg North Sea Programme Gemeente Groningen Provincie Drenthe Stad Mechelen Stad Roeselare Skive Kommune Malmö stad Stadt Oldenburg Hannah Arendt Instituut Rijksuniversiteit Groningen VIA University College International Youth Think Tank

Youth are not just the future; they are the present architects of our democracy. 🔧 With the #ECoDProgrammeYear in Barcelona, we’ve aimed to engage diverse groups of citizens. A standout group has been our #youth, whose fresh perspectives and unique viewpoints are crucial for driving change and making informed, inclusive decisions. 💡 One of the youth-focused events was the International Youth Conference, organized by the International Youth Think Tank in November. It brought together 23 talented young minds from 12 countries who collaboratively developed innovative proposals to strengthen democracy. Here’s what Urban Strandberg, Managing Director and Co-founder of the International Youth Think Tank, and Valeriia Andriienko, one of the participants, had to say about it. 💬 If you would like to see events like this hosted in your city, be sure to spread the word that the call for the #EuropeanCapitalofDemocracy 2026 opens in September. You can find more info through the link in the comments section. 

We proudly present the 24 participants that will show the way towards peace and democracy in the International Youth Conference & Nobel Symposia 2024. 📍Taking place in Stellenbosch, South Africa in 25-29 August 2024. Building on a dynamic interplay between the 24 participants, Nobel Laureates, scholars, and professionals, the overall goal is to inspire people and innovate democracy for a brighter future. Read more about the participants: https://lnkd.in/dCVNQ764 STIAS: Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development Stellenbosch University The Norwegian Nobel Institute #IYTT_SA2024 The IYTT is hosted by Lindholmen Science Park