Leadership Lab report:
Rethinking Global Democracy and Transition
“The Quest For Youth In Leadership And Political Participation”
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 4 PM EAT, 10 AM EST
A summary Report
Opening Remarks:
Mr. Daniel Orogo, Coordinator of Democracy Moves for Africa; Wandy Guaicara Peaspan, Regional Coordinator of Democracy Moves for Latin America; and Scott Warren, the founder of Democracy Moves, initiated the meeting.
Mr. Orogo and Mr. Scott were of great concern about the current happenings across African countries, especially West and Central Africa, which have been affected by frequent coups organized by juntas.
The coups are of great concern as they touch on the growth and strength of democracy in African countries.
Election rigging, greed for power, and a lack of leadership structure have led to the failure of many African countries, which have later submerged into military rule instead of civilian rule. thus, affecting Democracy growth.
Mr. Scott advised the young people to stand up strong and champion good leadership, economic growth, and sustainable development in their respective countries.
Mr. Orogo emphasized having more leadership lab sessions so that the youth can be mentored and anchored in taking up leadership roles without waiting for the mantle to be handed to them by the old folks.
Introduction of Key Speakers:
Moderator: Olla John Oluwafemi, a Social/Tech Development Expert from Nigeria.
Key Speakers:
Evelyn Dan Epelle: Multimedia Journalist and Communication Researcher.
Armando Armas: Lawyer, politician, and former Latin America Student Society president.
Logman Osman: Youth and governance advocate focusing on peace and security projects in the Horn of Africa.
Discussion Highlights:
The meeting highlighted commonalities among participants from different countries, emphasizing unity.
Discussion revolved around political transitions in Africa and Latin America, questioning whether they were due to leadership issues, selfishness, or failure in politics. The role of young people and women in these transitions was a key concern.
Evelyn's Perspective:
Young people are using social media and street demonstrations to advocate for change.
There's a demand for freedom and better governance, emphasizing the role of bad leadership.
African leaders need critical thinking and clear leadership goals.
Encouragement for youth to volunteer in leadership roles, with a call for more women in politics
Logman’s Perspective:
Challenges include a lack of governance experience and trust between youth and government.
Dialogue between youth and the government is essential.
The need for awareness about peace and security issues in Africa and creating space for youth
Armando's Perspective:
Technology empowers youth in promoting democracy.
Focus on what can be changed, clear rules, and transparency.
Emphasis on vision, empathy, determination, organization, and resources as key factors
Youth need to demonstrate their capabilities and commitment to leadership.
The Role of Youth in Democracy:
The young people were encouraged to start small and work their way up the ladder to leadership positions.
Armando highlighted the role of social media and personal capability, commitment, and purpose in politics.
Evelyn emphasized the need for youth to follow leaders and learn about history and citizen participation.
Logman stressed the importance of collaboration among African countries.
Questions and Answers: Plenary
Suggestions addressing the narrowing of youth spaces for success include persistence, taking action, and careful communication.
Measures to involve youth in the political system include starting small youth involvement programs and working collaboratively with governments.
The discussion underscores the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of democracy and the need for a proactive approach to overcome challenges and bring about positive change.
The African Region Coordinator for Democracy Moves, Mr. Daniël Orogo, assured members of their full support from Restless Development and Democracy Moves.
He also promised to push for the Leadership Lab sessions to be held on a monthly basis so that young people can be trained and equipped with skills and knowledge in governance and leadership.
He also cautioned members who believe in the rule of law and its growth to be good ambassadors when it comes to defending democracy in their respective countries in case of any temptations to overturn the will of the People during elections.
Caleb Masusu, the Voice and Democracy Program manager, engaged the participants in the post-session review by encouraging them to complete a post-session survey form that will be shared. He emphasized that the participants' feedback is helpful to the Democracy Moves coordinating team to better deliver the program activities.
Recommendations
Obtained from the participants during the plenary session and from the post-survey form
Democracy moves to enroll in a support program for young political aspirants. A school for young political aspirants through capacity building and mentorship to sharpen their leadership qualities In other words, DM develops leaders with qualities and values that are required to promote democratic ideals globally.
More leadership labs with targeted topics
Rapporteurs
Bill Clinton Endeche, Kenya
Sarah Tumwesigye, Uganda