Community of Democracies: CoD YouthLeads: Integrating Youth Voices in Global Governance

The integration of youth perspectives into intergovernmental dialogue is crucial to ensure that the perspectives and innovative approaches of youth are considered. Historically, youth involvement has been limited, leaving their voices underrepresented in crucial decision-making processes. To remedy this, CoD YouthLeads was founded in 2020, to amplify young voices and leverage their innovative insights to shape multilateral discussions and international programs on democracy. This initiative not only addressed the longstanding challenge of inadequate youth representation in international forums but also empowered the youth, giving them a platform to make a significant impact.

The initiative began in 2020 by identifying over 25 youth representatives from all over the globe, including local politicians, activists, and experts in areas such as the rule of law, policy-making, democracy and technology, and human rights. These representatives, coming from diverse backgrounds and regions, shared their experiences related to the principles of the Warsaw Declaration, a founding CoD document.

Commenting on the initiative, in 2020 Romania’s Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu said:” As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Community of Democracies this year, we have the opportunity to recognize innovative means of promoting democracy, which speak to the heart of people. The #CoDYouthLeads campaign emphasizes that courage and creativity mobilize democratic action. We have to take action in order to make the voices of the young generation heard…”

However, the engagement of YouthLeads did not stop with promoting these principles. The initiative continued its participation in the CoD by organizing online events, publishing political statements, and engaging in broader CoD processes. This ongoing commitment demonstrated the initiative’s long-term impact and its dedication to promoting youth participation in international discourse on democracy.

Today, YouthLeads is an integral part of the CoD’s processes and programs. The second cohort, representing ten countries, including Zambia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Canada, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, reflects the regional diversity of the CoD’s efforts. YouthLeads representatives participate in Governing Council meetings alongside 30 countries and two civil society representatives, ensuring that youth perspectives are central to CoD deliberations. In September 2023, YouthLeads crafted a framework for their new mandate, establishing thematic priorities and specific activities for their term. Their initiatives included publishing the series ‘A Blueprint for Youth Electoral Engagement,’ organizing an event at the Third Summit for Democracy hosted by the Republic of Korea, and launching the ‘Ready for a Seat’ campaign. The campaign influenced the language of the draft Human Rights Council resolution on youth and human rights to be voted on at the 57th session in October 2024. Since its inception, YouthLeads has emphasized autonomy and creativity, allowing young leaders to independently define their priorities and initiatives.

Reflecting on the importance of the youth sounding board, CoD Secretary General Mantas Adomenas said, “YouthLeads represent the next generation of democratic champions, whose creativity and energy are indispensable in addressing the challenges of our time, such as authoritarian influences, disinformation, and youth disillusionment in democracy. Their determination to confront these threats head-on revitalizes the global democratic movement and also ensures that democracy remains resilient and adaptable in the face of evolving challenges.”

In late 2024, YouthLeads prepare to transition into an Advisory Board of the CoD-led Youth Democracy Network, a global community of young leaders promoting democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. This will be a new start line for their deeper engagement, where they will guide the network’s strategic direction, foster collaboration across regions, and help shape initiatives that strengthen democratic resilience.