The United States has announced its support for the launch of the Community of Democracies (CoD) Youth Democracy Network (YDN). The initiative, initially revealed in 2023, is backed by bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress. The YDN aims to build a global community of young leaders focused on advancing democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. It will provide youth worldwide with tools and opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers and offer a platform for exchanging ideas and collaborating on projects.
The launch event took place in Panama, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte. Attendees included officials from the Government of Panama, YDN members from Latin America and the Caribbean, and representatives from CoD governments. Discussions centered around regional challenges, opportunities, and the role of young leaders in addressing these issues. The YDN seeks to foster cross-regional collaboration among emerging democratic leaders.
Highlighting the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes, it was noted that integrating their perspectives is vital for building resilient democratic systems. With more than half of the global population under 30 years old, supporting young leaders who advocate for democratic principles is seen as essential for driving positive change worldwide.
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