Under the Speak Youth To Power campaign, NDI has emphasized the importance of young people translating their power to sustained action and influence over political decision-making and democratic processes. In support of NDI’s commitment to strengthening young people’s impact, influence and leadership, we spoke to some of our youth-led partners around the world. They shared their stories about expanding civic space and strengthening youth voices, dialogue and debate, advocacy, civic education and political parties.

In partnership with Foreign Policy, NDI hosted a fifth dialogue in our “game changer” series about authoritarian exploitation of the environment and how local partners are mobilizing to counter these threats. The event featured U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and a panel of three activists – Hanna Khomechko, Dolma Tsering Teykhang and Emmanuel Umpula Nkumbe – who are working to stop environmental degradation in Ukraine, Tibet and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) respectively.

Parliamentary Committees serve a vital role in parliaments around the world, examining issues in detail through functions that include fact finding, deliberating and conducting oversight. Committees allow legislators to convene over specific issues and seek expertise to create meaningful reform. Building upon the efficacy of committees and parliamentary staff harnesses the strength of legislators in maintaining functional democracies. 

Last month in Tanzania, representatives from diverse backgrounds, including civil society organizations (CSOs), women and youth groups, faith-based leaders, regional and ward leaders gathered in the town of Bukoba, Kagera for the Women in Politics Forum. The forum, supported by NDI in partnership with a local non-governmental organization, Omuka Hub, comes at a critical time for the conversation around women’s political participation in Tanzania, as the country is currently in an ongoing political and electoral reform process.