In Paraguay, Alma Cívica is implementing the “Conquista Joven” initiative with a clear focus: to promote the Cohorte Jeunesse et Démocratie Menu des engagements possibles par l'autonomisation des jeunes de 15 à 35 ans afin de renforcer la démocratie.
Une recherche approfondie et une approche articulée
To achieve this goal, they have begun with comprehensive research, including quantitative and qualitative data, on youth political participation in Paraguay. In addition, recognising that teamwork is essential, they have held more than 10 articulation meetings with various citizen groups and civil society organisations. These alliances are fundamental for the creation of the future observatory “Democracy + Youth” where they will join forces to strengthen the leadership, civic, and political participation of young people.
Célébration de la démocratie
Sur Journée de la démocratie le 15 septembre, Alma Civica organised an exciting film-debateencouraging freedom of expression, where together with two experts, they immersed themselves in reflection and debate on the achievements and challenges of today’s democracy.
In addition, Olga Caballero, executive director of Alma Cívica, participated in the Journée internationale de la démocratie à Bruxelles, where she shared her testimony dedicated to presenting the progress of the Conquista Joven project, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to the promotion of youth political participation in Paraguay. She also shared spaces with panelists, experts, and high-level activists who discussed how the global decline of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism around the world have been met with a new wave of civic activism.
Youth + Democracy” series
On 23 September, the organisation kicked off the “Jeunesse+ Démocratie” cycle of talks with a forum that brought together leaders from 15 cities and 7 departments, in addition to the capital, participated in this event. Here, young people not only learned about the Menu des engagements possibles mais ont également eu l'occasion d'en apprendre davantage sur la démocratie et de participer à des conversations intéressantes avec de jeunes élus du Congrès national, ainsi qu'avec des représentants du ministère de l'éducation et des sciences.
Le cycle de conférences se poursuivra en novembre avec un forum pour les 18-35 ans et culminera en décembre avec un événement qui réunira les participants des deux forums. En outre, ils chercheront à démocratiser l'information par le biais de classes virtuelles avec des experts ouvertes au grand public.
“We Are Youth, We Are Democracy”
Through these efforts, “Conquista Joven” remind us that youth are essential to strengthening democracy and reaffirm their commitment to promoting youth leadership and active participation in Paraguay’s democratic process.