Generation
Democracy

Despite constituting 56 percent of the global population, youth continue to be underrepresented in political and civic participation. Through International Republican Institute’s (IRI) flagship youth network, Generation Democracy, members have access to opportunities that increase their capacity to effectively mobilize young people, champion democratic reform, as well as tackle barriers to meaningful youth participation to build more resilient, responsive and inclusive democracies.

What We Do

To promote the meaningful participation of young people in decision-making processes, Generation Democracy connects members to gain skills for political and civic engagement learned through Network-facilitated trainings on effective communication, advocacy, leadership and program management; are given opportunities to exercise their political and civic engagement skills through member-led activities, trainings and consultations; and are empowered to connect, collaborate and co-develop solutions with other democratically minded young people through youth-led and youth-serving opportunities.

Who We Are

Generation Democracy is a network of over 300 young leaders from across 88 countries. Members are on the front lines of policymaking, serving in parliaments in Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and Montenegro, amongst others. Throughout the world, they are key players in ensuring youth voices in politics and civic life are heard on the community, national and international level, hailing from places as diverse as Malawi, to Taiwan, and Jamaica.

Join the Network

Get Involved

Generation Democracy members should be young, democratically minded leaders who champion youth-friendly policies and/or community activities to ensure their generation has a voice in the decision-making process and young people – including themselves – are empowered to lead. If you would like to join the network, fill out the member application survey during the application period. Application periods are the month of January, April, July and October. 

make an impact

Partner With Us

If you are interested in partnering with the GenDem Network to make an impact on young leaders’ journey through technical and/or financial support, please contact MMiner@IRI.org. 

stay informed

Follow Us on Social Media 

To be up to date with what is occurring within the GenDem network, join thousands of others and follow us on social media: X, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram.

Meet the
GenDem Board

GenDem Board

Latest News and Resources

Youth Are Society’s Changemakers

Bulganchimeg Bayasgalant, a Mongolian participant in the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) 2019 Generation Democracy Global Summit, argues that young changemakers…

Making Youth Voices Count

“How can we create change?” This was the question on the minds of young political party members who gathered together…

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