Welcome to the Thank You Democracy Podcast, your dedicated source for stories that illuminate the dynamic and evolving landscape of democracy around the world. Brought to you by the Global Democracy Coalition, this podcast is the newest aspect of the Voice and Value of Democracy Advocacy Campaign and celebrates the enduring spirit of democracy in a world where its values are both championed and challenged.
Each episode dives deep into the heart of democratic initiatives, highlighting the resilience and innovation, and showcases the efforts of those who are making a difference, often without recognition. Our discussions focus on the role of youth in shaping the future of democracy, how they are stepping up to meet today’s challenges, and shine a light on the unsung heroes whose tireless efforts uphold the values of freedom and equality.
With guests ranging from grassroots activists to seasoned leaders and experts, we bring you diverse perspectives and inspiring stories. Whether you’re a democracy enthusiast, a concerned global citizen, or simply curious about the forces shaping our world, the Thank You Democracy Podcast has content for everyone. Subscribe now and never miss an episode. We need to remind ourselves—and the world—why democracy is worth fighting for.
Where You Can Find Us
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Published Episodes
The Realities of Being a Woman in Politics with Jokate Mwegelo and Elena Motta
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, we sat down with two members of Club De Madrid’s #WYDE Global Network of Young Decision Makers network, Jokate Mwegelo, the Secretary General of CCM’s Youth Wing in Tanzania, and Elena Motta, a member of congress in Guatemala. During this episode, they discuss their decisions to run for political positions, how political violence impacts the participation of women in politics, institutional and societal steps needed to protect women in politics, their advice, and more.
Jokate Mwegelo previously served as the District Commissioner for Kisarawe, where she led initiatives to enhance education and infrastructure, is the founder of Kidoti Company and was recognized on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list for her contributions to youth and women’s empowerment.
Elena Motta is known for her work in legislative reforms and social initiatives. Prior to her role in Congress, she was an advocate for community development and played a key part in promoting educational and economic programs to support marginalized communities.
Learn more about their incredible perspectives and inspiring journey’s in this episode.
Global Female Champions and Democratic Backsliding with Susana Malcorra
How Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association Are Fundamental To A Thriving Democracy with Gina Romero
In this upcoming episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, to discuss why the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are fundamental to a thriving democracy, some global trends that are particularly alarming, how young people are shaping the current and future landscape of these rights, current gaps in educational efforts, and more.
Gina brings vast experience and insight as the co-founder and former Executive Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy, one of our coalition partners, and the Leading/Senior Researcher for the Youth Violence Assessment in Colombia for Democracy International. For more on Gina’s unique perspective and inspiring journey, listen in to this episode!
Promoting and Protecting Democracy and Youth Engagement in Today’s Political Processes with Kevin Casas-Zamora
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Dr. Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA, to discuss his path in public service, the advice he would give to his younger self, effective ways to increase youth engagement in today’s political processes, and his personal story as to why he has dedicated most of his life to promoting and protecting democracy.
Kevin brings vast experience and insight as the former Vice President of Costa Rica, a distinguished political scientist, and a globally recognized advocate for democratic governance. For more on Kevin’s unique perspective and personal stories, listen in to this episode!
Transitioning from Socialism to Democracy with Jakub Rychlý, Veronika Šustrová, and Jakub Šuster
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the European Democracy Youth Network sat down with Jakub Rychlý, Veronika Šustrová, and Jakub Šuster to discuss the realities of living under socialism and how it shaped people’s understanding of freedom, the transition from socialism to democracy, how democracy evolves with new generations, how youth is included in democratic processes and more.
These three speakers brings vast experience and insight. Jakub Rychlý is the founder and COO of Nekrachni, an organization dedicated to helping young people achieve financial maturity, as well as an ambassador for EDYN Czechia. He currently acts as the Spokesperson for the Republic Youth Forum, which operates under the Czech Council of Children and Youth. Veronika Šustrová is an internationally certified coach (ACC) and business mentor with over 25 years of experience in fields such as finance, banking, healthcare, and telecommunications. Jakub Šuster is the co-founder and CEO of Elv.ai, a Slovak startup using AI to fight online misinformation and hate speech. For more on their thoughts and experienced insights, listen in to this episode!
Candidacy for UN Secretary General and Challenges from Rising Authoritarianism with Colombe Cahen-Salvador
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Colombe Cahen-Salvador, distinguished political activist, co-founder of the Atlas Movement, and a candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations, to discuss her candidacy for UN Secretary General, challenges from rising authoritarianism, the importance of youth engagement in strengthening democratic processes, Atlas’s successes in furthering democratic development, and more.
Colombe brings vast experience and insight as the co-founder of the first pan-European political party, Volt Europa, which elected representatives at the 2019 European Elections and local elections on a vision of a more united and progressive EU, and as a trustee of the United Nations Association – UK, working to improve knowledge of transnational organisations and reform. For more on Colombe’s thoughts, listen in to this episode!
Fighting Corruption in Africa: Empowering Youth for a Transparent Future with Samuel Komu and Joshua Muteti Munyoki
In this episode, Samuel and Joshua discuss the impact and success of Integrity Walkathons, how young people are getting involved in anti-corruption efforts, and more. This episode has been adapted to align with the content of our Advocacy Campaign. To learn about the impact of corruption in Kenya and for more on Samuel and Joshua’s thoughts, listen to this episode! #ThankYouDemocracy
For the full episode, please visit the Youth Cafe’s podcast: https://www.theyouthcafe.com/the-youth-cafe-podcast
The Impact of Youth Movements in Thailand with Prim Maneechot
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Asia Centre sat down with Prim Maneechot, Thai advocate for human rights and civil society, to discuss the enduring impact of Thailand’s youth movements in democratic initiatives such an the push for free and fair elections, education system reform, a more democratic constitution and challenging traditional structures like monarchy, all crucial issues in today’s global democracy.
Prim brings vast experience and insight as a community organizer for Article Group, a volunteer project coordinator for the project “Freedom of Expression”, a freelance content creator, law tutor and passionate human rights defender. For more on Prim’s thoughts, listen in to this episode!
The Myth of Youth Political Apathy with Felipe Paullier
In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, Club de Madrid sat down with Felipe Paullier, Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs from the UN Youth Office, to discuss his appointment to the UN, Felipe’s appointment to the UN, the transformative role of young leaders in today’s political arena and inspiring insights on how the youth can and are reshaping democracy, all extremely timely topics in this year of elections.
Felipe brings vast experience and insight as Director General of the National Youth Institute of Uruguay where de developed the Global Impact Leadership Program in 2017 and Deputy Mayor in Montevideo. For more on Felipe’s thoughts, listen in to this episode!
Upcoming Episodes
The Economics of Freedom: Jorge Jraissati’s Vision for a Just World
In this upcoming episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Jorge Jraissati, President of our Coalition Partner Economic Inclusion Group, to discuss his professional journey, his decision to focus on the intersection of economic opportunity, financial inclusion, and democracy, the impact anti-money laundering laws and counterterrorism financing regulations have on people’s lives, why it is essential to include young voices in economic policymaking, and more.
Jorge, while only 28, brings an experienced background as a researcher at IESE Business School, an economic and policy consultant, and is known for his work advocating in G7 countries for financial reforms to guarantee a “Right to Banking” for immigrants and human rights defenders. Jorge is also an influential voice in his home country, Venezuela, pushing for greater political and economic freedoms.
To learn more about Jorge, his journey, and to hear his incredibly unique perspective, listen to this episode.