Youth

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, the Global Gateway High-Level Youth Event took place on October 9-10, 2024, showcasing the transformative impact of the EU youth agenda. The event celebrated achievements, established new partnerships, and connected youth champion networks. With nearly half of the world’s population under 30—90% residing in less developed partner countries—this demographic trend was poised to significantly shape global economic relations and politics. By 2030, 20% of the global population was expected to be African, with over 55% of Africa's population under 20. This focus on youth was crucial, as a well-educated and healthy youth demographic is fundamental to a stable society and economy. 

Preceding the Summit of the Future and commemorating the second anniversary of the Youth Action Plan (YAP) adoption, the event aimed to strengthen the youth agenda within EU external action by connecting youth networks and demonstrating the political significance of engaging with youth. It marked a pivotal moment for the EU and its partners in recognizing youth as a catalytic investment for the future. 

Opening: the event commenced with a video address from Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by remarks from Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, and a keynote speech by Felipe Paullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs. They stressed the critical role of youth in global development and cooperation. 

Partnering with Youth: moderated by Siatra Msandu Zharira, this session featured speakers such as Jutta Urpilainen, Benjie Allen Aquino from the EU Youth Sounding Board, gender-climate activist Shakhzoda Mirakova, former Special Adviser on Youth Natalia Gómez Solano, and Bernard Felix Katiniche from the EU Delegation in Malawi. They discussed the importance of young people as partners in European Commission initiatives and shared testimonies illustrating the impact of intergenerational dialogue over the past two years. 

Breaking Barriers: Implementation of the Youth Action Plan. Moderated by Qyira Yusri, this session included Bitania Lulu Berhanu, Santiago Barrail, Carlos Sanvee, Hoa-Binh Adjemian, and Francisca Midzi. Speakers highlighted the Youth Action Plan's contributions to breaking barriers and promoting meaningful youth participation, focusing on institutional engagement and access to youth-friendly funding. 

Global Gateway: What’s in It for Youth? Geth Semani Akhenra Maiga moderated a discussion featuring Marjeta Jager, Gilles Bertrand, Liberatha Kawamala, Sobel Aziz Ngom, Andrea Remes, and Jasper Verreydt. They explored youth's role in the Global Gateway strategy, emphasizing its relevance to green and digital transitions, addressing inequalities, and enhancing education. 

Fireside Chat – Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights: Moderated by Giacomo Castorina Calí, this session included Olof Skoog, Anna Gabriela Ferreira Noval, and Marwa Galaleldin. The discussion focused on creating an enabling environment for the Global Gateway Strategy concerning peace, democracy, and human rights amidst geopolitical challenges. 

Closing Session: Moderated by Naja-Theresia Høegh, speakers included youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board who presented recommendations for the next Commission. Jutta Urpilainen closed the event, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and emphasizing recommendations for enhancing their participation and empowerment in EU external action for sustainable development, equality, and peace. 

Click here to read more details on the event on October 9-10 2024.

Data of all kinds reveals a little-discussed, future-defining trend: Men and women are going separate ways.

Why it matters: The split is clear in politics, religion, education and the labor market. For the next generation, gender is becoming the biggest predictor of how you think, act and vote.

"There’s a much broader story here," says Daniel Cox, director of the Survey Center on American Life. "Even after all the votes are tallied and we’ve moved on from the 2024 election, we’re not going to have resolved any of the cultural and relational tension between young men and young women."

• You see it in politics: Women are turning left, and men are turning right.

• You see it in religion: For the first time ever recorded in the U.S., young men are more religious than young women.

• You see it in education: There are 2.4 million more women on U.S. college campuses than men, the American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) notes. And those degrees are often resulting in higher-wage jobs for women in big cities, a Pew Research Center analysis of census data found.

• You see it in the labor market: Wages and labor force participation have increased since the 1980s for college-educated men and women, and for working-class women. But they have stagnated for working-class men, who are also now significantly less likely to be employed compared to four decades ago, according to AIBM's analysis.

• You see it in visions for the future: Men are more likely than women to want marriage and kids, according to Pew. The percentage of 18- to 34-year-old women wanting kids has fallen to 45% versus 57% for men.

What we're watching: The polarization is even stronger among adults under 25, Cox notes. Social media content and algorithms may be one key reason.

Read here the full article published by Axios on 28 September 2024.

Image by Axios

or Zoe Lefkofridi, a professor of politics and gender at the University of Salzburg in Austria, there cannot be real democracy without gender equality.  But past progress cannot be taken for granted. Despite significant steps in Europe towards gender equality, opposition seems to be on the rise.

“The EU has been a pioneer in promoting women’s rights, especially concerning employment,” said Lefkofridi. “However, we’re observing worrisome developments in certain EU countries, as well as the US.”

Lefkofridi is leading an EU-funded research initiative called PushBackLash, which looks into various aspects of gender equality problems and seeks practical solutions. 

It was set up in 2023 to try to understand the motivations, strategies and tactics used by those campaigning against gender equality initiatives. The researchers are also trying to get a better understanding of where the public stands on these issues.

Dr Vera Beloshitzkaya, an expert on gender and politics on the team, said the most obvious example of backlash against gender equality can be seen in changing political rhetoric, with anti-feminist narratives becoming more mainstream. 

“Backlash can also occur at the policy level, where more inclusive policies face resistance, or in people's attitudes. However, the key question is always: what is the starting point? To really say there’s a backlash, we need to understand where we were, where we are today, and where we’re heading.”

Read here the full article published by Horizon, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine on 26 September 2024.

Image credits: Horizon, the EU Research & Innovation Magazine

A political science student, an activist, Senator Laphonza R. Butler (D-Calif.), documentary filmmakers, and a historian convened at Harvard’s Institute of Politics forum to discuss the future of youth civic engagement and the growing role of women in politics on Tuesday.

Moderated by Harvard historian and law professor Jill Lepore, the event featured clips from the Emmy Award-winning documentaries Boys State and Girls State, showcasing the experiences of teenage boys and girls participating in political simulations designed to mirror democratic governance.

Filmmaker Jesse Moss described Boys State and Girls State as a “fascinating laboratory or microcosm to explore our democracy writ small,” noting how both programs offered a window into how young people engage with political processes.

“We thought, perhaps this program is a weather vane to tell us something about our current condition,” Moss added.

Read here the full article published by The Harvard Crimson on 25 September 2024.

Image credits: The Harvard Crimson

On September 19 and 20, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a two-day event to celebrate the International Day for Democracy, with support from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe.

The theme of the tenth edition of IDD Brussels was "A Year of Elections." The event explored the electoral landscape in Europe and beyond, assessing the current state of democracy worldwide. At this critical juncture, the conference provided a platform to discuss and shape the EU’s democracy agenda for the coming years. It brought together policymakers, politicians, activists, and independent journalists from around the globe to address the state of democracy, its challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Special emphasis was placed on the roles of youth and women in these discussions, as part of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) program.

Among the panelists, notable mentions include Dubravka Šuica, European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography; Christian Leffler, former Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia; Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA and Leopoldo López, Venezuelan opposition leader.

On day 2, September 20, a panel of 5 women addressed the discussion on Gender Equality and Authoritarianism. As gender disparities widen in countries with authoritarian regimes or restrictive political environments, women's political participation is particularly at risk. Women rights defenders and gender equality political advocates are developing strategies as they become the targets of authoritarian governments and far-right movements. Amidst the numerous elections happening in the world this year, the resilience of young women activists is coming to the fore. The panel included Japleen Pasricha (India), Sonia Gassemi (Algeria), Salma Al-Nims (Jordan), Viviane Ogou (Spain) and Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu (International IDEA).

On September 19 and 20, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a two-day event to celebrate the International Day for Democracy, with support from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe.

The theme of the tenth edition of IDD Brussels was "A Year of Elections." The event explored the electoral landscape in Europe and beyond, assessing the current state of democracy worldwide. At this critical juncture, the conference provided a platform to discuss and shape the EU’s democracy agenda for the coming years. It brought together policymakers, politicians, activists, and independent journalists from around the globe to address the state of democracy, its challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Special emphasis was placed on the roles of youth and women in these discussions, as part of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) program.

Among the panelists, notable mentions include Dubravka Šuica, European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography; Christian Leffler, former Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia; Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA and Leopoldo López, Venezuelan opposition leader.

On day 2, September 20, a panel of 5 women addressed the discussion on Gender Equality and Authoritarianism. As gender disparities widen in countries with authoritarian regimes or restrictive political environments, women's political participation is particularly at risk. Women rights defenders and gender equality political advocates are developing strategies as they become the targets of authoritarian governments and far-right movements. Amidst the numerous elections happening in the world this year, the resilience of young women activists is coming to the fore. The panel included Japleen Pasricha (India), Sonia Gassemi (Algeria), Salma Al-Nims (Jordan), Viviane Ogou (Spain) and Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu (International IDEA).

On September 19 and 20, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a two-day event to celebrate the International Day for Democracy, with support from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe.

The theme of the tenth edition of IDD Brussels was "A Year of Elections." The event explored the electoral landscape in Europe and beyond, assessing the current state of democracy worldwide. At this critical juncture, the conference provided a platform to discuss and shape the EU’s democracy agenda for the coming years. It brought together policymakers, politicians, activists, and independent journalists from around the globe to address the state of democracy, its challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Special emphasis was placed on the roles of youth and women in these discussions, as part of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) program.

Among the panelists, notable mentions include Dubravka Šuica, European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography; Christian Leffler, former Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia; Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA and Leopoldo López, Venezuelan opposition leader.

On day 2, September 20, a panel of 5 women addressed the discussion on Gender Equality and Authoritarianism. As gender disparities widen in countries with authoritarian regimes or restrictive political environments, women's political participation is particularly at risk. Women rights defenders and gender equality political advocates are developing strategies as they become the targets of authoritarian governments and far-right movements. Amidst the numerous elections happening in the world this year, the resilience of young women activists is coming to the fore. The panel included Japleen Pasricha (India), Sonia Gassemi (Algeria), Salma Al-Nims (Jordan), Viviane Ogou (Spain) and Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu (International IDEA).

On September 19 and 20, the European Committee of the Regions hosted a two-day event to celebrate the International Day for Democracy, with support from the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), International IDEA, the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), and Carnegie Europe.

The theme of the tenth edition of IDD Brussels was "A Year of Elections." The event explored the electoral landscape in Europe and beyond, assessing the current state of democracy worldwide. At this critical juncture, the conference provided a platform to discuss and shape the EU’s democracy agenda for the coming years. It brought together policymakers, politicians, activists, and independent journalists from around the globe to address the state of democracy, its challenges, and the opportunities that lie ahead. Special emphasis was placed on the roles of youth and women in these discussions, as part of the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) program.

Among the panelists, notable mentions include Dubravka Šuica, European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography; Christian Leffler, former Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service; Apostolos Tzitzikostas, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions and Governor of Central Macedonia; Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA and Leopoldo López, Venezuelan opposition leader.

On day 2, September 20, a panel of 5 women addressed the discussion on Gender Equality and Authoritarianism. As gender disparities widen in countries with authoritarian regimes or restrictive political environments, women's political participation is particularly at risk. Women rights defenders and gender equality political advocates are developing strategies as they become the targets of authoritarian governments and far-right movements. Amidst the numerous elections happening in the world this year, the resilience of young women activists is coming to the fore. The panel included Japleen Pasricha (India), Sonia Gassemi (Algeria), Salma Al-Nims (Jordan), Viviane Ogou (Spain) and Rumbidzai Kandawasvika-Nhundu (International IDEA).