Youth as Catalysts for Democratic Change at the Local Level – International Day of Democracy 2024

Youth play a crucial role in driving democratic change at the local level, serving as catalysts for innovation, participation, and advocacy within their communities. The United Nations emphasises the vital role of youth engagement, with Secretary-General António Guterres stating that ‘young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today. ‘

Across the globe, youth are at the forefront of democratic movements, advocating for inclusive governance, social justice, and human rights. Their involvement in decision-making processes can bridge the gap between communities and governance structures, helping to uphold and strengthen democratic values at the grassroots level.

In line with this vision, NGYouthSDGs launched the “Elevating Youth Voices, Building Trust, and Civic Cohesion” (CLiP) project; a civic leadership initiative designed to engage youth in Enugu East Senatorial District. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and enhance youth involvement in local democracy.

On September 15th, 2024 in commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, which underscores the significance of civil liberties, the rule of law, accountable institutions, and human rights, NGYouthSDGs hosted an interactive webinar titled Youth as Catalysts for Democratic Change at the Local Level.” The event was organised for young people in Enugu East Senatorial District. It featured five civic champions, their 25 volunteers, and participants from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (Enugu), among others. Renowned facilitators  Mr Halilu Mukhtar  Madibbo and Mr Paul Oshunkeye shared their insights during the session.

Key insights:

The discussion addressed key challenges that youth face in engaging with democratic processes, particularly at the local level. 

The panel discussions included how young people can hold their elected leaders accountable, better understand government priorities, build trust within their communities and with lawmakers, and leverage social media to amplify their voices while minimising the risks of misinformation. 

The speakers also explored how local governments can create spaces for youth to take on leadership roles and how youth can address policy challenges related to engaging marginalised groups within their communities. In their responses, the facilitators stressed the importance of youth developing organisational skills and the ability to mobilise. Youth need to gather factual information, identify common issues, localise them, and propose solutions. Political leaders often seek innovative ideas, so it is crucial for youth to sustain and implement these ideas to attract the support  of local leaders.

“As a youth, even if you’re not directly involved in community initiatives, use social media to share knowledge. Let your platform be a space where people can find insightful analysis of political issues, both identifying problems and suggesting solutions,” said Paul Oshunkeye. 

The speakers also emphasised the importance of conducting community needs assessments and organising town hall meetings to drive democratic change at the local level.

Youth must learn to hold their leaders accountable, build trust in the political system despite its challenges, and fully understand their communities in order to effectively respond to local issues and create meaningful change.

Watch the replay here.

Written by  Caroline Musa and Victoria Imaji – Civic Champions on the CLiP project