Theme: Advancing Democratic Resilience at the Intersection of Human Rights and Environmental Justice
Date: 28 March 2025
Location: United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya (TBC)
Host: The Youth Café, CAHED Kenya, CVA Rwanda, Afrobarometer, and SOMWA
Overview
The Global Democracy Coalition (GDC) African Regional Forum 2025, organized by The Youth Cafe, is a flagship event focused on addressing the intersection of democracy, human rights, and environmental justice in Africa. This regional dialogue aims to explore how democratic governance can effectively tackle environmental challenges while upholding human rights, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth leadership and grassroots activism.
As Africa faces disproportionate impacts from climate change and environmental degradation, this forum will spotlight the urgent need for democratic resilience and renewal to combat these crises. The event will bring together policymakers, civil society leaders, youth activists, and international organizations to share best practices, foster collaboration, and craft actionable solutions for democratic and environmental sustainability.
The sub-theme, “Combating Corruption as a Catalyst for Democratic Renewal and Environmental Resilience,” underscores the critical need to address corruption as a systemic barrier to governance and justice.
The forum will feature a combination of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, culminating in the development of practical recommendations to strengthen democratic governance across Africa.
Detailed Agenda
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Registration
- Participants arrive, register, and receive event materials.
- Networking opportunities for attendees.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Session
- Welcome Remarks: Overview of the forum’s objectives and key themes.
- Keynote Speech:
- Speaker: Prominent expert on Africa’s democracy, human rights, and environmental justice.
- Topic: Setting the stage for discussions on democratic governance and environmental justice in the African context.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion 1: Addressing Key Challenges to Democracy, Human Rights, and Environmental Justice
- Focus Areas:
- Exploring how democratic governance can address environmental crises while safeguarding human rights.
- Highlighting the role of youth activism and grassroots organizations in driving change.
- Panelists:
- Experts, policymakers, civil society leaders, and youth advocates.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tea Break
- Opportunity for informal networking and refreshments.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Breakout Sessions (World Café Format)
- Participants engage in rotating discussions at thematic tables, guided by facilitators.
- Themes:
- Innovative solutions to strengthen democratic institutions.
- Best practices in environmental justice and climate resilience.
- The role of youth and civil society in driving democratic reforms.
- Outcome: Key takeaways synthesized and presented during the closing session.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
- Time for networking and relaxation.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion 2: Anti-Corruption Efforts and Collective Action for Governance and Justice
- Focus Areas:
- Examination of successful anti-corruption initiatives.
- Strategies to achieve good governance and environmental accountability.
- Speakers:
- Experts and practitioners leading anti-corruption efforts across Africa.
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion 3: Breaking Barriers – Challenges and Solutions for Youth Participation
- Focus Areas:
- Identifying systemic, economic, and social barriers limiting youth participation in politics.
- Exploring the role of education, technology, and intergenerational collaboration.
- Key Questions:
- What systemic barriers prevent youth from engaging in politics in Africa?
- How can political institutions create more inclusive spaces for youth?
- What successful strategies or case studies can be replicated across regions?
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Closing Session
- Insights and Recommendations:
- Summarizing key takeaways from breakout sessions and panels.
- Presentation of actionable recommendations to advance democratic resilience and environmental justice.
- Closing Remarks:
- Recap of the forum outcomes.
- Emphasis on partnerships and commitments to sustainable progress.
Expected Outcomes
- Actionable Recommendations: Development of regionally adaptable strategies to combat corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, and enhance environmental resilience.
- Youth Leadership Recognition: Highlighting youth-led initiatives and grassroots movements as models for democratic and environmental innovation.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between governments, civil society, and youth organizations to drive collective action.
- Capacity Building: Equipping participants with tools and resources to address challenges and implement solutions in their local contexts.
This event represents a vital step in empowering Africa’s youth and fostering democratic renewal, environmental justice, and human rights in an increasingly complex global landscape.