The Democracy & Culture Foundation’s Post

🌍 Reflecting on 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa 🌍 Insights from the colloquium which brought together scholars, activists, and thought leaders to reflect on South Africa’s journey post-apartheid. Key highlights included: ✓  Powerful reflections from Soweto uprising veterans, Joyce Dipale and Elizabeth More, on the ongoing struggle for freedom. ✓ A thought-provoking keynote by intellectual, feminist and activist Papama Nomboniso Gasa on land rights and redistribution, emphasising the unfinished work of democracy. ✓ The launch of the 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa book series edited by Abebe Zegeye and Beth LeRoux, a vital resource for new generations. ✓ Insights from scholars such as Thembinkosi Goniwe, Taah Abongnelaa Divine Fuh, Bhaso Ndzendze, Dee Marco and Dilip Menon, on the legacies of apartheid, indigenous knowledge, and the challenges of South Africa's global role. ✓  Editors discuss critical global issues surrounding academic knowledge production, addressing the pressing challenges of diversifying submissions and breaking down the knowledge barriers faced by the Global South with Janet Remmington, The Conversation Africa's Jabulani Sikhakhane, Tarminder Kaur, nthabiseng motsemme, Martha Bridgman, Gcobani Qambela, Lisa Otto and Dina Ligaga As South Africa continues to evolve, strengthening its connections within Africa and promoting the decolonisation of knowledge production will be essential for a more equitable future. This colloquium sparked essential conversations on how to reshape both national and global narratives. Read now > https://lnkd.in/eGKcqrvn #SouthAfrica #Democracy #Knowledge #Activism #LandJustice #GlobalSouth #Decolonization #SocialJustice #BookLaunch

Today we are co-hosting a Summit of the Future Action Day side event: ‘#YouthLead: Governance for human rights, peace and security and political processes’ with the UN Youth Office, MyLifeMySay, UNDP, Club de Madrid, UNESCO, OHCHR, Education Above All Foundation & Major Group for Children and Youth. Join us in: ➡ Identifying current challenges related to young people’s participation in decision-making processes at national and international levels, including in the areas of peace and security, human rights, politics, global governance and financing. ➡ Discussing key actions and tangible solutions for implementation of Actions 36 and 37 of the Pact for the Future. ➡ Sharing practical recommendations and good practices for Member States on how to meaningfully engage young people in decision making processes. Time: 15:30 - 16:45 Location: Conference Room 4, United Nations HQ Watch live: https://lnkd.in/e_pUsC6i Galia Kademian from Argentine Youth Organization for the United Nations and International Steering Group Representative for UNOY's Americas members, will be giving an intervention on practical steps that should be taken to provide accessible funding and capacity-building support for youth-led organisations. #Youth4Peace

It is an honor for me to participate virtually in the 10th International Youth Conference, as the conference is distinguished by important and leading developments in the lives of youth in all parts of the world in all scientific and cultural fields and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals plan, as youth are the makers of the future. As a reminder, what is being searched for is after implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals plan to the step of the 2030-2063 Sustainable Development Goals, as was done in the ninth conference held in Addis Ababa. counsel mecheal wajeah yacoub president of judgment un skills development, president of international human rights protection for African countries, united nation international federation astro human rights. @iycforyouth

🎉🎉🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉🎉🎉 We are excited to announce that PHOENIX REVIVAL ASSOCIATION has been selected as one of the 250 organizations to join the Youth Dialogue Platform (YDP). This platform brings together youth-led and youth-focused organizations from around the world to discuss the European Union (EU) External Action and its Youth Action Plan (YAP). The YDP serves as a safe space to promote and accelerate the EU's commitment to youth inclusion and empowerment globally. This opportunity, announced by the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) as part of the Youth Action Plan, includes organizations that emphasize youth participation and empowerment. The 250 members were selected through an open call in autumn 2023. The chosen organizations are youth-led or youth-focused, align with EU values, and have the capacity to reach diverse young people. They have been active for at least three years and are experts in thematic fields of EU external action within various geographical zones. The Youth Dialogue Platform is a dedicated space for fostering dialogue with youth organizations on the EU's external action, aiming to strengthen cooperation with young people globally. We are honored to have been selected for this prestigious opportunity by the EU. European Union @European Union External Actions Jean-Marc Chataigner #European Union in Cameroon #MINEREX Ministry of External Relations of Cameroon #Ministry of youth Affairs and Civics education of Cameroon #European Union sounding board #Cameroon National Assembly Joshua Osih Kah Walla Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development (EJS Center) Elizabeth Tchoungui

I am glad to share our latest publication in APRI - Africa Policy Research Institute as part of their BRICS thought leadership series in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg: “BRICS and the Human Rights conundrum”, co-authored with Apostle J. Kourbeles. This piece analyses the current BRICS members’ standing on human rights. While BRICS has enormous potential as an international organisation with great appeal to rising nations, our analysis of the commitments of the current and new members to human rights helps to explore whether BRICS could help in achieving inclusive and peaceful international cooperation. https://lnkd.in/g6gK6aqX

https://lnkd.in/da7g_Cz3 The State of the African Diaspora / African Union Messages of Solidarity at Pan-African Parliament highlight Africa’s democratic progress, economic integration, and vision for inclusive development

That's a great accomplishment! Speaking from the youth perspective at the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa is a fantastic opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas on the future of democracy in Africa. Your voice and perspectives can help shape the conversation and inspire positive change. Some potential points you might have covered in your speech include: 1. _Youth empowerment_: Emphasizing the importance of empowering young Africans to participate in the democratic process and take on leadership roles. 2. _Democratic values_: Highlighting the need for democratic values such as transparency, accountability, and human rights to be upheld in African countries. 3. _Inclusive governance_: Stressing the importance of inclusive governance that represents the diverse voices and perspectives of African youth. 4. _Economic opportunities_: Discussing the need for economic opportunities and development that benefits all Africans, especially young people. 5. _Technological innovation_: Exploring how technology can enhance democracy in Africa, such as through e-voting and digital civic engagement platforms. Remember, your voice matters, and your participation in the summit is a valuable contribution to shaping the future of democracy in Africa!

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the "Active African Youth Participation in High-level Decision-Making Forums" event organised by the United Nations Association of Tanzania. I learnt so much, with a few takeaways being: 💡 First, many of us (including myself) need to read the Pact for the Future - intended for adoption at the UN's Summit of the Future this September. The Pact and the Summit intend to boost trust, solidarity, and responses to current and future challenges. Hence, it is critical for the youth to pay close attention, as their outcomes will ultimately affect us e.g., Action 37. 💡 There's a difference between participation and engagement. The youth need to be engaged at all stages, from planning processes at the start to reporting. 💡 Meaningful engagement goes both ways. We also need to ensure that we're voting, understanding how our governments work, and showing up to and contributing to public engagements. "You can't challenge something when you don't understand how it works". I applaud the UNA for promoting access, participation, and collaboration by opening its doors to the public. And I look forward to engaging in more dialogues such as these in the future!

🌍 🗣️ Meaningful youth participation is essential for inclusive democracies. NIMD | Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy’s new report “The Voice of Youth at the Table' 'highlights global trends and case studies from  six countries on amplifying youth in politics. Check out the full report to learn more!

Did you miss the ICPD@30 Global Youth Dialogue in Cotonou, Benin? Well! worry no more, we are bringing the experience to your fingertips. Join the Powerhouse of the amazing young leaders for a virtual hangout tomorrow to unpack the GYD package. The discussions will focus on; 1. Experience sharing from young people who attended the dialogue and whether the engagement was meaningful. 2. The outcome of the dialogue (the youth manifesto) and the various calls to action. 3. Focus for choice for youth and sexuality and the sustainability of the outcomes and finally, 4. Localization and contextualization of the global commitments for accountability as young people (movement building etc). https://lnkd.in/dKygC3hd