About us
The Youth Democracy Cohort is a global platform and network bringing together governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to strengthen youth engagement in democracy.
The YDC was launched in September 2022, as one of several multi-stakeholder platforms under the Summit for Democracy process. With the support of the European Commission, the Cohort has since expanded to more than 700 member organisations from more than 100 countries. In 2025, the YDC received funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Digital Democracy Initiative, to focus specifically on the digital rights of young people.
We implement a wide range of activities. We produce and collect evidence to underpin the work of civil society organisations and government policies, including through our flagship Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI). Through technical and financial support, YDC members improve the policy framework for youth democratic engagement at the local, national, regional and international levels. Since October 2025, we are formally in partnership with the Open Government Partnership to advance youth participation at all levels.
We aim to bridge the gap between local organisations with the international community, connecting informal spaces and formal processes.
Vision & Mission
Vision
Young people are recognised and included as political actors in democratic decision-making at all levels.
Mission
We strengthen youth political participation by supporting youth organisations, advancing research and advocacy, and facilitating collaboration between young people and public institutions.
Our projects
WYDE Civic Engagement
Under the WYDE Civic Engagement project, launched in 2022 by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), the YDC focuses on two main areas: advocating for greater and more meaningful youth inclusion in democratic systems, and advancing global conversations on democratic participation through youth-led research. EPD and its member organisations play a key role in this mission by supporting civil society and youth leaders through targeted capacity-building efforts. Additionally, the Quick Impact Actions mechanism addresses urgent needs at the country level in order to support urgent needs in youth political inclusion and participation. This project is part of a wider programme (*WYDE) funded by the European Union that seeks to empower and strengthen the rights, and participation in public and political life of women and youth as key actors of development and change. *WYDE : Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement
⚡ Powered by the European Union 🇪🇺
Digitalise Youth
Since 2025, the YDC is advancing its mission of fostering inclusive democratic participation with the launch of the Digitalise Youth project. This two-year project addresses shrinking civic spaces, disinformation, and digital surveillance in the Sahel and neighbouring regions by equipping youth activists, CSOs, and media organisations with digital skills, civic tech tools, and AI solutions, while fostering collaboration with tech developers to bridge gaps with Human Rights Defenders. The project is part of the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI) introduced in 2023 by Denmark, the EU Commission, and Norway.
⚡ Powered by the Digital Democracy Initiative 🇩🇰
