IRI Encourages Youth Participation through Democracy Youth Fair

March 30, 2006

To encourage youth participation in politics, the International Republican Institute (IRI) hosted a youth democracy fair in Battambang, Cambodia, on April 8-9, 2006. More than 40 organizations, including the National Democratic Institute and the Solidarity Center, and nongovernmental organizations, businesses and local government officials from the Battambang area, participated in the event to offer political and civic educational activities for youth. Cambodian Minister of Education and Youth Affairs, Kol Pheng, also attended the fair, recognizing the importance of the country's youth, and IRI's work to get them involved.

Despite poor weather conditions, close to 4,000 young people between the ages of 16-30 attended the fair. Dozens of exhibits, seminars and interactive-programs presented a range of political issues, including land-rights, AIDS prevention, and broadcast journalism. One of the most popular interactive pavilions was IRI's campaign central station, which engaged youth in mock campaigns and elections.

Through interactive civic educational programs like the youth democracy fair, IRI is engaging youth from across the country to be involved in their government.

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A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide