“We cannot achieve the goals set out in the Malawi 2063 national agenda if young people are left behind.” These are the words of Precious Mafunga, a fellow of the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) Next Generation Leaders’ Academy and member of the Quota4Youth initiative. While many in Malawi are frustrated with the slow pace of change regarding the inclusion of young people in politics, Precious and the Next Generation fellows are committed to taking action to change the face of politics in Malawi.

On the occasion of the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) organized a House Democracy Partnership (HDP) exchange with the International Republican Institute (IRI) and in collaboration with ParlAmericas. 

The exchange featured a parliamentary gathering for over 50 legislators from more than 20 countries across the Americas and the Caribbean with the goal of shedding light on the importance of legislatures in addressing solutions to shared regional challenges. 

In the crowded streets of Harare’s central business district, Mojalifa waits for a taxi to take him to the Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) office for a coalition meeting for LGBTQI+ organizations and activists.

This month, the National Democratic Institute is celebrating Pride! In support of NDI’s commitment to increasing the inclusion of marginalized populations in political processes, we’re highlighting the essential work of partners who are at the forefront fighting for greater levels of equality, shifting norms and perceptions, and reducing barriers to political participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) communities.