The Youth Cafe was deeply privileged to collaborate with Club de Madrid and the Global Democracy Coalition in the “Youth For Future: Meaningful Representation and Participation” at the University of Nairobi under the UN Civil Society Conference umbrella. Through this esteemed membership, we collaborated with a network of dedicated democracy advocates, exchanging knowledge on radical democratic practices and proven methods to bolster global democracy.

We got to discuss the critical role of youth in democracy and tackling rising authoritarian trends in a polarized world and spearheading these conversations were various inspiring leaders who were able to share their experiences with us.

To kick off the conversation, Moussa Mara, a dynamic former Prime Minister of Mali, delved into the profound significance of democracy and the pivotal role of youth involvement. Sharing his inspiring journey, Mara recounted how he became mayor at the remarkable age of 34 and ascended to the position of minister by 39. His story stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities available to young people who are determined to make a difference.

Mara passionately emphasized that democracy thrives on the active participation of its citizens, particularly through the electoral process. Elections, he noted, embody the essence of freedom of speech, empowering individuals to choose their leaders and shape their future. However, he candidly acknowledged the persistent challenges facing democracy in various African nations, highlighting the urgent need for electoral reforms.

He stressed that these reforms must prioritize transparency and accountability, underscoring that trust is the lifeblood of a robust democracy. To build this trust, electoral processes must be clear and reliable, ensuring that elected officials honour their promises. Mara called on young people to be at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for improvements and holding leaders accountable.

Ending on a powerful note, Mara asserted that accountability is crucial and requires the presence of strong, independent civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to overseeing political parties. He urged young people to embrace this role, ensuring that democracy is not only preserved but also strengthened.

Mara's concluding message was both profound and personal: democracy begins at the grassroots level. It is not solely the domain of national politics but is deeply rooted in community engagement and individual responsibility. By nurturing democratic values in our daily lives and local communities, we lay the foundation for a more democratic and equitable society.

Following Mara's impactful address, Nathaniel Mongare, the dynamic Speaker of the Young Parliamentarians Association, took the stage with equal fervor. Mongare began with a compelling statistic from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), revealing that 60% of voters are under 35. This, he stressed, is a powerful testament to the potential influence of young people in shaping their nation's future through the ballot box.

Mongare passionately argued that young people must leverage this power to ensure they have a seat at the decision-making table. However, he lamented the significant barriers they face, particularly in political party nominations, where opportunities for young candidates are often scarce. He called on his peers to rise to the challenge, emphasizing the importance of representing the communities they hail from. Using the metaphor "#Candle lights candle," he illustrated how the empowerment of one young person can ignite the empowerment of many.

He then directed a strong appeal to political parties, urging them to actively nominate young candidates for leadership positions. His conviction was clear and unwavering as he declared, "We, the youth, must rise to the occasion and assume positions of leadership through the strength of our unity. We must get to the top or the top must come down."

Mongare's message resonated deeply, urging young people to harness their collective strength and unity to break through the barriers that stand in their way. He envisioned a future where the youth are not just participants but leaders in the political landscape, driving change and innovation from the forefront. His call to action was a rallying cry for a new generation of leaders to step forward and claim their rightful place in the corridors of power.

Next, Josephine Mwangi, the Program Manager at International IDEA, captivated the audience with a powerful call to support sustainable democracy. She began by highlighting the critical role political parties play in determining both elective and nominative positions for young people. Despite their significant numbers, only 2% of youth are elected to positions of power, with women comprising less than 1% of these elected youth. Mwangi emphasized the urgent need for more women to participate in both elective and nominative processes, advocating for greater gender equality in political representation.

Mwangi also urged young people to engage in leadership roles starting from school elections. She pointed out that such early involvement fosters a deeper understanding of democratic processes and prepares them for larger political responsibilities. She also stressed the importance of defending democratic values and that young people should be aware of their importance and carry them as a flag.

Highlighting the digital age's impact, Mwangi acknowledged that young people are highly active online, a double-edged sword in the realm of democracy. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for engagement and mobilization, they also pose risks, such as spreading voter apathy and undermining credibility. Many young people feel disillusioned, believing their votes do not count, a sentiment that threatens the foundation of democratic participation.

To combat this, Mwangi called for comprehensive civic voter education initiatives led by the government. She stressed the importance of mentorship programs, both within and between governments, to provide young people with the opportunities and role models needed to see that achieving leadership positions is within their reach.

Mwangi's message was clear: sustainable democracy requires the active participation of all citizens, particularly the youth. By addressing voter apathy, enhancing credibility, and ensuring inclusive representation, we can create a vibrant, participatory democracy that truly reflects and serves its people.

Following Mwangi’s enlightening address, Yvonne Wamurii, an esteemed Advisor on Digital Economy, took the stage to tackle another critical barrier facing young aspiring leaders, the lack of financial resources necessary to secure political positions.

Wamurii began by highlighting the harsh reality that running for office often requires substantial financial backing, a hurdle that many young people find insurmountable. This financial barrier not only limits their ability to campaign effectively but also restricts their visibility and outreach, further entrenching the status quo.

However, Wamurii’s message was one of hope and empowerment. She passionately argued that the key to overcoming this challenge lies in unity and mutual support among young people. "If we unite and support each other," she emphasized, "we can rise together." She illustrated this point by sharing examples of successful grassroots campaigns where collective action and shared resources helped propel young candidates into positions of influence.

Wamurii also pointed out the potential of the digital economy to level the playing field. By leveraging digital platforms for crowdfunding, networking, and mobilization, young candidates can bypass traditional financial barriers. She encouraged young people to harness the power of social media and digital tools to build strong, supportive communities that can provide both the financial and moral support necessary for political success.

Concluding with a powerful call to action, Wamurii inspired her audience to envision a future where young leaders, united in purpose and resourcefulness, can break through financial barriers and transform the political landscape. "Together, we can rise," she declared, urging young people to not only dream of change but to actively collaborate and support one another in making that change a reality.

Following Wamurii’s inspiring speech, Mary Yvonne Ododah, an Advisory Board Member of The Youth Cafe, took the stage to further emphasize the critical importance of youth involvement in democracy. Ododah began by stressing that young people are not a monolithic group; instead, they represent a rich tapestry of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. She argued that this diversity should be recognized and celebrated in all policy discussions and democratic processes.

Ododah underscored that acknowledging the diversity among youth is essential for creating inclusive and effective policies. "We must bring every voice to the forefront," she declared, urging policymakers to consider the unique needs and contributions of different youth subgroups, including those marginalized by ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

Highlighting the power of intergenerational dialogue, Ododah called for more opportunities for young people to engage with older generations. She pointed out that such dialogues can bridge gaps in understanding, foster mutual respect, and promote the sharing of knowledge and experience. By facilitating these conversations, societies can benefit from the wisdom of older generations while embracing the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives of the youth.

Ododah passionately advocated for platforms where young people can actively participate in shaping their communities and countries. She emphasized that youth should not merely be seen as future leaders but as present-day change-makers who have the potential to drive immediate and impactful transformations.

Concluding her speech with a powerful call to action, Ododah inspired the audience to champion youth diversity and foster intergenerational collaboration. "Our democracy will only be truly vibrant and resilient when every young person feels seen, heard, and valued," she proclaimed. Her message resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression of the vital role that diverse and inclusive youth participation plays in strengthening democratic processes.

Finally, the stage was graced by Steven Nyage, whose thought-provoking address left the audience in deep contemplation. Nyage began with a bold challenge, questioning the very essence of democracy: "How can democracy better itself? Is it truly working for us?" He urged the audience to reflect on whether democratic systems are safeguarding against tyranny and genuinely serving the people's needs.

Nyage's questions set the tone for an engaging and dynamic Q&A session, where he skillfully facilitated discussions that raised numerous critical issues. Participants delved into the complexities of democratic governance, the effectiveness of current systems, and the measures needed to protect against authoritarianism. The dialogue was rich and varied, highlighting diverse perspectives and sparking ideas for future actions.

In his closing remarks, Nyage emphasized the importance of ongoing participation and vigilance in democratic processes. He thanked the organizers for creating a platform for such vital discussions and praised the attendees for their active engagement.

"Democracy is a living entity," he reminded the audience. "It requires our continuous effort, our voices, and our commitment to grow and improve." He urged everyone present to keep contributing to the building of democracy, not just as a concept but as a practical, everyday reality.

Nyage's concluding words were a powerful call to action, leaving the audience inspired to play an active role in shaping a more democratic and just society.