Today, on International Youth Day, the Global Democracy Coalition celebrates the power, passion, and potential of young people, and reaffirms that democracy cannot thrive without them.
Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are essential actors in shaping democratic societies today. Across our network, youth are speaking up, organizing, voting, and driving change in ways that challenge injustice and expand democratic participation.
That’s why uplifting youth voices is a core part of our work. Through our global events, advocacy campaigns, and the annual GDC Regional and Global Forums, we create platforms that elevate young leaders, amplify their priorities, and ensure that intergenerational dialogue is part of building resilient democracies.
We are proud to work alongside coalition partners who are championing youth leadership every day, some of whom include:
Candon Youth for Empowerment (CYM)
@youngpeoplefor@ClubdeMadrid@CornellBPP Center on Global Democracy
@WeAreEDYN@EPDeu
International Youth Think Tank
@josefkorbel@KofiAnnanFdn@SNFAgora@SGDUganda@TheYouthCafe@NotreDame Democracy Initiative
@WLCongress (Through the Youth Liberty Congress)
Democracy thrives when young people are at the table, not only to be heard, but to help lead.
#InternationalYouthDay #Youth4Democracy #DemocracyWithYouth #KeepDemocracyAlive #YouthVoicesMatter
The AfCFTA Secretariat, in partnership with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat, is convening a three-day regional workshop to advance women and youth economic empowerment in fisheries through the Inclusive Market Access Programme. This forms part of the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade and the AfCFTA Private Sector Strategy. The workshop promotes regional integration and harmonisation of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures in the fisheries value chain, while updating delegations on the development of continental standards in fish trade.
The workshop also aims to strengthen the capacity of women and youth to engage in aquaculture, feed production, and fish trade at regional and continental levels. Delegations will receive training on access to affordable feed, best aquaculture practices, and financial inclusion. The outcomes will inform targeted interventions to address trade barriers, enhance export readiness, and increase participation in intra-African trade.
The 7th and 8th Meetings of the Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR) are taking place from 22 July to 2 August 2025 in Djibouti.
During this session, delegates are negotiating the draft Annexes of the Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) under the #AfCFTA. These Annexes will provide the legal and institutional framework to transition Africa from a landscape of fragmented IP protections to a harmonised, continent-wide system; one that is globally respected yet uniquely African.
Under the #AfCFTA, these negotiations are not just about legal texts; they represent a bold step toward defining the architecture for a future where African ideas are African-owned, African-valued, and African-traded.
#AfCFTA #CIPR2025
The 47th EAC Council meeting is underway in Arusha, Tanzania (April 14-17). Ministers from all @jumuiya States are gathered to shape our region's future. Stay tuned for updates on key decisions that will impact our economic growth and social progress. #EACIntegration
The EAC Regional Export Promotion Subcommittee is meeting this week (April 13-17) to identify opportunities and tackle challenges. Join us in supporting our region's economic growth and creating more job opportunities for our citizens. #EACExports#TradeGrowth
The EAC Customs Committee is in session (April 14-18) to discuss efficient customs procedures and revenue collection. Efficient customs operations mean lower trade costs and better availability of products for our citizens. #EACCUSTOMS#TradeFacilitation
The EAC Secretariat and the Congolese government are in Kinshasa (April 14-18) to discuss the integration roadmap. The DRC's integration will enhance regional stability and create new opportunities for all. #DCRIntegration#EACExpansion
Consultations on the EAC Early Warning System ( #EACWARN) are ongoing (April 14-18). Our region's security is a priority, and EAC_WARN will help us prevent conflicts and protect our citizens #RegionalSecurity