Youth Participation

Through youth-led leadership groups like Generation Democracy (GenDem) and the European Youth Democracy Network (EDYN), IRI helps young people contribute to their nation’s development by empowering them to identify and address the issues of greatest concern to their age group.

IRI supports young leaders through investments in civic and political engagement, ensuring that young people play a role in protecting democratic governance and have access to peaceful ways to express their insights and concerns.

Generation Democracy – IRI’s flagship youth network – consists of over 325 young leaders from across 81 countries, dedicated to promoting civic and political participation and exposing their colleagues to innovative approaches and ideas.

Generation Democracy members have access to subaward funding, opportunities to serve as elected officials on the group’s board, and ways to participate in global panels to share their expertise. Recognizing that youth-led programming works best when it is buttressed by preparation and support, Generation Democracy provides learning in virtual training sessions and Global Summits that bring members together to share best practices and lessons learned.

In Europe, IRI’s EDYN program has worked to advance young people’s role in revitalizing democracy, rights, and governance through networks that foster meaningful connections across ideologies and borders. This coalition of more than 300 young leaders from 22 countries in Central and Eastern Europe makes an impact through cross-border networking, best practice exchanges, projects supported by IRI, and individually tailored professional development. 

Similarly, ALPI encourages emerging political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia to realize the benefits of working across parties while equipping them with the political skills they need to advocate for greater youth participation and representation in politics. To replicate ALPI’s success in other countries, IRI has created a toolkit so interested parties can apply best practices that have prepared ALPI members to overcome barriers to youth political participation.

IRI provides opportunities for young people to engage across sectors, with partners ranging from universities to media firms to business leaders. Through the McCain Fellowship for Freedom (MFF), IRI brings together a global cohort of rising political and public leaders who are committed to political and economic freedom.