Date: September 25, 2024 from 15:30 to 17:00
Location: Wagner Graduate School of Public Service (NYU)
Host Partners: Global Democracy Coalition, Club De Madrid
Protecting and defending democracy is a shared responsibility that extends beyond governments to encompass civil society, political parties, the private sector, and the media. In a year marked by an unprecedented number of elections across 70 countries, involving over half of the world’s population, the role of young individuals in shaping political outcomes has never been more crucial. For years, young people have been at the forefront of advocating for transformative changes on critical issues such as gender equality, mental health, and climate justice. This presents a significant opportunity to challenge the narrative of youth political apathy.
The recent appointment of Felipe Paullier as the first-ever UN Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs speaks volumes about their achievements and commitments to ensuring youth representation in decision-making processes. This was only possible through active youth participation and engagement in intergovernmental processes and negotiations. The continued survival of democracy and the multilateral system depends on young people’s ideas and support. To rebuild trust and restore hope, governments must ensure meaningful youth representation in decision-making spaces.
The United States’ influence at the international level is undeniable, and the upcoming US General Election will be a pivotal moment. Youth participation should not be taken for granted. The 2020 elections saw a historic turnout among young voters, with nearly 53% of eligible voters aged 18-29 casting their ballots. However, their representation in elected offices remains limited. For instance, Congress has only a handful of members under the age of 40. Notable young political leaders such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC (born in 1989) and Maxwell Frost (born in 1997) illustrate the potential and impact of youth involvement in politics. For example, AOC has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies like the Green New Deal, which aims to address climate change and economic inequality. Her ability to mobilize young voters and leverage social media to engage with constituents has set a new standard for political communication and grassroots organizing. Similarly, Maxwell Frost, as the youngest member of Congress, has brought fresh perspectives to issues such as gun control and social justice, demonstrating the critical role young leaders can play in shaping the national agenda.
Despite these successes, recent political developments, including Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race are completely changing the political landscape. However, one element remains critical: the lack of diverse youth representation in politics, which can cultivate distrust, fuel resentment, and perpetuate existing inequalities. The disillusionment of young people with formal political structures has led to lower voter turnout among this group compared to older age groups. This signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing struggle for democratic values.
Rebuilding trust in institutions requires ensuring decision-making processes are more inclusive and effective. It is also imperative to highlight the importance of fulfilling civic responsibilities at a time of democratic backsliding and mistrust in democratic institutions. Structural and systemic changes that acknowledge meaningful youth engagement as essential for building greater trust in public institutions are crucial, especially during contested elections like the upcoming one.
Objective
The aim of this session is to highlight the importance of youth engagement in democratic processes and the defence of democratic values in a polarised world with rising authoritarian tendencies. In collaboration with Club de Madrid and its WYDE Civic Engagement Network of Young Decision-Makers, this session will build on the efforts of the Global Democracy Coalition (GDC).
During the session, we will hear from Club de Madrid Members, as well as Temirlan Sultanbekov (a member of the WYDE decision-makers), a representative from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, a Global Democracy Coalition partner, and a student speaker. They will share their personal experience of overcoming challenges and achieving successes in promoting democracy and increasing youth political participation in their respective countries. Their stories will effectively illustrate youth’s pivotal role and responsibility in national democratic processes.
Students attending the session will have the opportunity to engage in an open discussion about their concerns regarding democracy, youth representation, and participation at a time of rising polarisation. This session is a critical component of the Voice and Value of Democracy Advocacy Campaign’s series of regional exchanges aimed at raising awareness of youth participation and the importance of upholding democratic values.
Held during the UN General Assembly high-level week, and just weeks before the US elections, this event serves as a timely platform to inspire and mobilise youth to actively engage in shaping our collective democratic future.
The session will start with a presentation of The Voice and Value of Democracy advocacy campaign. The moderator will then give a 5-minute introduction to the panel. Then, each panelist will be asked a specific question by the facilitator, which they are recommended to answer in four minutes. Then, a general question will be asked to all the panelists (16 minutes). This will be followed by a 35 minute Q&A/exchange with the students. The facilitator will wrap up the session with some final remarks and a summary of the main points discussed (5 minutes).
NYU will showcase the GDC’s new video Why do you stand up for democracy? at the end of the session.
Atendees:
Approximately 50 university students, in addition to NYU, CdM and GDC representatives.
Welcoming words:
- Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, Executive Director of the Bronfman Center at New York University
Participants
- Danilo Türk, President of Slovenia (2007-2012) and President of Club de Madrid
- Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of Mongolia (2009-2017)
- Temirlan Sultanbekov, Chairman of Social Democrats (Kyrgyzstan). Representative of Club de Madrid’s WYDE Civic Engagement Network of Young Decision-Makers.
- Amanda Sourek, Outreach and United Nations Liaison Officer, International IDEA
- Taylor Grace Heller, NYU Student
- Ryan Arecco, NYU MPA Candidate
Facilitator: Agustina Briano, Outreach Coordinator, Club de Madrid.