Generation Democracy Releases Youth-Developed “Johannesburg Declaration”

Washington, D.C.—Generation Democracy, the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) global youth network, today released the “Johannesburg Declaration,” a youth-developed pledge to collectively build and safeguard democratic space in Africa.  

“This declaration bolsters the efforts of young leaders across southern Africa to be agents of democratic change,” said IRI Vice President Kimber Shearer. “By committing themselves to collectively advance the voices of youth in civil and political processes and advocate for citizen-centered, accountable government, these young leaders are leading the way for youth to shape their own future.”

The “Johannesburg Declaration”—drafted in May 2017 by 34 young leaders from seven countries across southern Africa —reflects their common interests and goals to promote democratic engagement in the region. This document builds upon declarations made by Generation Democracy members in Bangkok (the Asia Declaration), Dar es Salaam (the Dar Declaration), and the founding Dakar Declaration, which served as a collective vision statement that guides members aspirations and work in their respective countries.

For more information about Generation Democracy, follow us on Twitter @IRIGenDem, or contact us directly at jsibley@iri.org.

About Generation Democracy

Generation Democracy is IRI’s global youth network, engaging more than 400 young leaders and youth organizations in over 75 countries around the world. Generation Democracy empowers, equips and connects the next generation of democratic political and civic leaders by facilitating the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices and providing the tools to effect positive change in their communities and countries.

Notable members include Kenya’s National Youth Bunge Association, the Guyana National Youth Council, the Youth Council of Cambodia, SAWTY (My Voice) in Tunisia and the Youth of the European People’s Party and its 57 member parties. Generation Democracy is made possible with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.