Generation Democracy Launches New Asia Initiative in Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand—Generation Democracy, the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) global youth initiative, brought together young leaders from across Asia to participate in the program’s first regional conference from March 30 to April 2. The event convened representatives from 13 Asian countries, and included speeches by U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies, Canadian Ambassador Donica Pottie, and former U.S. Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank Curtis Chin.    

“Young people in Asia are looking to build a vibrant future that is citizen-centered and hopeful,” said IRI President Ambassador Mark Green. “Through Generation Democracy, we look forward to working with them to make this vision a reality.”

During the conference, the delegates came together to draft a statement of principles, the “Asia Declaration,” which will be launched in the coming weeks. This document builds upon declarations made by Generation Democracy members in Dar es Salaam (the Dar Declaration) and the founding Dakar Declaration, which outlined the global principles of Generation Democracy in the context of the challenges faced by young people.

About Generation Democracy

Generation Democracy is a global coalition of nearly 400 youth organizations and members from 75 countries dedicated to empowering young people to participate in political, economic and governing processes. Notable members include Kenya’s National Youth Bunge Association, the Guyana National Youth Council, the Youth Council of Cambodia, SAWTY in Tunisia and the Youth of the European People’s Party and its 57 member parties.

Generation Democracy facilitates the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices across the world to ensure that youths have a stronger voice in local and national institutions. Through Generation Democracy, young people are building the leadership and campaign skills needed to become the next generation of democratic actors in their communities and countries, leading to more robust and youth-friendly policies. Generation Democracy is made possible through the support of the National Endowment for Democracy.

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