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Empowering Global Youth: A Path to Inclusive Democracy

By Kibo Ngowi Amidst the challenges faced by democracies worldwide, a beacon of hope is emerging as young people take charge of their futures. Youth across the globe are stepping up to redefine their roles in shaping governance. And the call for increased youth participation resonates strongly in the global south.  Despite a lower-than-desired voter turnout in the Nigerian elections earlier this year, the resilience of the 'Not Too Young To Run' movement demonstrated the transformative power of youth cohesion as several young candidates who benefitted from the campaign took office for the first time. Pakistan, with its youthful population, [...]

2023-12-07T10:05:42+00:007th December 2023|

Youth-Led Initiatives and the Future of Democracy: A Conversation with McDonald Lewanika

Governments and institutions have a crucial role in supporting and empowering young people in their efforts to promote democratic change and innovation. International Democracy Day Brussels is an annual event that gathers organizations and experts to celebrate democracy and discuss its challenges. The theme for this year is ‘Empowering the next generation,’ focusing on young people’s essential role in advancing democracy and ensuring their voices are included in decisions that profoundly impact their world. In this year's event, McDonald Lewanika, the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Accountability Lab, shared his insights on youth-led initiatives, the state of [...]

2023-12-18T16:05:55+00:0020th November 2023|

Training to Transformation: The Sahel’s Youth in Political Leadership and Conflict Resolution

By Zeinabou Walet Mohamed Ali    Faced with security challenges and a shrinking civic and democratic space in the Sahel, young people have expressed a strong desire to increase their political leadership and participation in democratic decision-making processes as well as efforts aimed at conflict prevention in their countries. Countries such as Mali - characterized by political crises, corruption and a deep disconnect between the will of the people and the decisions made by those in power - face major political and security challenges. The Sahel region has now become a space in reconstruction, where it is crucial for young people [...]

2023-10-05T12:40:21+00:0030th September 2023|

How can the youth contribute to the fight against corruption and its negative impact on society?

For those who have not been to Liberia, their first encounter with an act of corruption is likely to be at the international airport when a service personnel starts asking for a 'small thing' or a police officer asks for 'cold water' (both phrases refer to a bribe). As dangerous as it is, corruption has almost become the norm for public servants, entrenched in and gradually destroying Liberian society. This article discusses the state of corruption in Liberia and its ripple effects on various sectors of society. Moreover, it emphasizes the crucial role of youth in combating corruption and fostering [...]

2023-09-19T13:02:16+00:0019th September 2023|

Five ways to make regional collaborations meaningful

Accountability Lab Nepal (ALN) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) are collaborating to promote youth engagement in democracy in Nepal and Bangladesh, respectively. The goal is to build and strengthen diverse and pluralistic networks of youth leaders through targeted support, collective learning and shared best practices to strengthen democracy.  This blog is based on a joint reflection between the program implementation teams during a learning exchange visit from Nepal to Bangladesh and summarizes the value of meaningful collaborations.This blog also highlights how young people from Nepal and Bangladesh uniquely catalyze their role to strengthen democracies, advance social changes and support innovation.  [...]

2023-08-14T12:08:06+00:0018th July 2023|

Eradiquons la corruption grâce à des mécanismes pratiques

Ce billet est l’un des deux lauréats du concours de blog de l'Alliance internationale anti-corruption 2023 organisé sous l'égide de la Banque mondiale. En vue de trouver une solution commune à un défi commun, nous avons invité la jeunesse africaine à s'exprimer sur le fléau de la corruption. À la lumière de la situation propre à chaque pays, ces témoignages devaient répondre à la question suivante : comment les jeunes peuvent-ils œuvrer de concert avec leurs gouvernements, les universités et les organisations de la société civile pour s'élever contre la corruption et contrer les effets négatifs qu'elle fait peser sur la société ? La Corruption… [...]

2023-08-14T12:17:08+00:0013th July 2023|

CSOs, academia, and youth representatives join forces to fight corruption

Despite the world’s advancements, ongoing corruption impedes progress, affecting people’s fundamental needs. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that Africa will lose $88.6 billion (3.7% of Africa’s GDP) annually to illicit financial flows. Corruption diverts resources from critical social initiatives like education and healthcare and marginalizes groups from playing an active role in society and governance.  To support the fight against corruption, representatives from civil society, academia, and youth agencies have formulated recommendations at a regional dialogue organized by the UNODC through its Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment (GRACE) Initiative. The event took [...]

2023-08-14T12:26:01+00:0010th July 2023|

Gov-HER-Nance: A Feminist Approach to Governance, Accountability, and Climate Justice

Somaya Jalari is a 70-year-old fisherwoman who, like many generations before her, has been fishing and boating on the Phewa Lake all her life. She has seen various changes taking place in Phewa Lake in her lifetime. For instance, the local and indigenous fish species are no longer available in the lake. Consequently, women and men like her who depend on the Lake have to buy new species of hatchlings from their savings and leave them in the water. Furthermore, the water has been heavily polluted by floods, weeds, and plastics which has negatively affected biotic life.  Somaya says, “I [...]

2023-08-14T12:33:13+00:004th July 2023|

Announcing the 2023 International Corruption Hunters Alliance Forum Youth Delegation

Written by Katie Fuhs and Zeina Walet Next month, front-line anti-corruption actors will gather at the Fifth International Corruption Hunters Alliance (ICHA) Forum in Abidjan to share their knowledge and experiences of the challenges, risks, and opportunities for advancing anti-corruption efforts. To ensure a diversity of generational perspectives, the World Bank Group has asked Accountability Lab to put together a youth delegation that will participate and present their ideas at the Forum.  To that end, the Lab is happy to present the 2023 ICHA Youth Delegation. From investigators to creatives, this group of 19 youth delegates from 14 countries across [...]

2023-06-14T07:07:18+00:002nd June 2023|

Rhythmic Advocacy: Inside V2R Nigeria’s Songwriting Bootcamp

By Murkthar Suleiman & Sharon Patrick-Udoh In the words of Fela Anikulapo Kuti: "Music is the weapon. Music is the weapon of the future." We've just completed an exciting initiative at the Lab, and it was a whirlwind of rhythm and creativity! Our Voice2Rep program is designed for undiscovered music artists who advocate for greater representation, participation, and accountability. Its aim is to make their voices heard, connect with socially-conscious leaders in the music industry, and build the skills they need to help shape Nigeria's future through the power of music. This program took center stage during our recent Songwriting [...]

2023-05-31T08:03:20+00:0030th May 2023|
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