As the third Summit for Democracy approaches, the theme “Democracy for Future Generations” gains momentum with the introduction of ten young and engaged Youth Democracy Cohort ambassadors. These motivated youth campaigners are poised to join the Summit, championing global youth engagement and advocacy efforts. Their stories and community initiatives embody the vitality of democracy in action, underscoring inclusivity, and democratic participation. From community- building projects in Liberia to democratic civic tech tools in Nigeria, their presence at the Summit amplifies youth voices in governance, bringing forth transformative commitments that inspire future generations.
Join the #YouthInAction movement and meet the young faces who believe the democratic landscape of tomorrow can be changed by bringing youth voices together.
Banica S. Elliott
Banica S. Elliott, president of FLY*, embodies the spirit of youth inclusivity and engagement through youth leadership and community development in her home country of Liberia. As a graduate of the University of Liberia and recipient of the Most Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year 2022 award, her ambition for youth inclusivity has been instrumental in initiatives like National Youth Day celebration and her work in an UNFPA project for youth economic development. With more than nine years of dedicated service in youth mentorship and advocacy, Banica is a champion of equal opportunities for youth.
Her ambition for youth engagement is evident by representing Liberian youth at the International Youth Diplomacy Conference in Accra 2016 and attending the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) as a youth representative. Banica is an active member of Youth Initiative Liberia and Famous Team 18+, a community-based group of young women. Today, Banica strives to become a better leader with each opportunity.
Oshin Maharjan
Oshin Maharjan is a Project Associate at Accountability Lab Nepal, dedicated to mobilising and supporting youths in activities aimed at strengthening democracy and good governance practices. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and pursuing a Master’s in Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies, Oshin hones interdisciplinary perspectives to building resilient societies where young people are actively engaged
At Accountability Lab Nepal, Oshin focuses on promoting integrity and transparency within public agencies, notably through her involvement in the Integrity Icon campaign. As a council member of the US Embassy Youth Council 2023, she led initiatives that utilise digital media and mobilise youth to promote good governance.
Habeeb Adewale Tajudeen
Habeeb Adewale Tajudeen is an active researcher in the field of social development edicated to community engagement and youth development. As a Programme Manager at Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, he has played a pivotal role in pioneering civic tech innovations through rigorous research. Habeeb is well versed in democratic principles and governance, delivering empirical insights to guide policy decisions.
Habeeb led a team of researchers in evaluating the dynamics of youth engagement in Nigeria’s democracy, resulting in the creation of YVoteNaija.This strategically designed tool serves as a catalyst for enhancing youth involvement in Nigeria’s democratic affairs. As a result of Habeeb’s research efforts, the FactCheck Election civic tool was invented as a method to combat election misinformation. Through his incredible work, he’s gained recognition in platforms such as Foundation for Investigative Journalism and The National Newspaper. He is dedicated to using his extensive research background and technological proficiency to actively promote the development of promising technologies across Africa.
Sobel Aziz Ngom
Sobel Aziz Ngom is a dedicated social entrepreneur and passionate advocate for youth empowerment. Currently, Sobel heads Consortium Jeunesse Senegal (CJS), a network of youth-led organisations addressing key challenges in Senegalese youth’s education, work, and inclusion. As a result of Sobel’s visionary leadership, “YAAKAAR,” a $20 million youth-led initiative, was launched in 2021. In addition to serving on the Global Leadership Council of Generation Unlimited and co-chairing the advisory board of the Global Freedom Forum of Mobility, Sobel is an Ashoka Fellow and Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni (Yali). Through his relentless efforts, he unites like-minded organisations and leaders to catalyse youth empowerment, inclusion, and emancipation.
Godbless Otubure
Godbless Otubure has over a decade of diverse experience in international institutions, underserved communities, and governmental bodies, specialising in democracy, development, civic advocacy, job creation, youth empowerment, employability, and intra-African trade. He is a graduate in Political Sciences and Public Administration and a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow. As a Global President at Ready to Lead Africa, Godbless’ commitment to youth engagement is evident through his notable achievements. His initiative #KeepersofDemocracy engages youth to work for the preservation of democracy, and he is also the founder of the Youth Against Election Violence Accord, which promotes peaceful, free and fair elections in Nigeria. Godbless was also recognised by Microsoft Nigeria as a young leader and influencer 2016.
Loise Mwakamba
Loise Mwakamba is a Communications Specialist and creative at Mzalendo Trust, with over five years’ experience in communications and platforming the voices of young people. She has taken the lead in communicating comprehensive research and data focused on youth involvement in the Kenyan Parliament. Using digital platforms, including civic tech tools and social media engagement, Loise raises awareness about Parliamentary procedures and gives voice to young people in Kenya. Currently, she leads the communications team at Mzalendo Trust, where she develops compelling stories about how youth are represented in politics and the challenges they face in navigating the electoral political system.
Notably, Loise hosts the Mzalendo Podcast, which provides a platform for the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) to discuss their current legislative proposals and future plans. Her work has also led to youth-led and focused campaigns on democracy, such as Get Out the Vote Youth Campaigns in Kenya and Bunge Parliament Youth Dialogues on International Youth Day.
Ruchapong Chamjirachaikul
Ruchapong Chamjirachaikul is a Political Specialist at the Internet Dialogue for Law Reform (iLaw), a nongovernmental organisation dedicated to improving human rights and democratic governance in Thailand. In his role at iLaw, he analyses key legislative initiatives, constitutional amendments, human rights abuses, and digital surveillance impacting freedom of expression and assembly. Ruchapong organised an election observation campaign during the 2023 Thai General Election, which gathered more than 100,000 volunteers from across the country. He is currently advocating for constitutional reform in Thailand to replace the military-drafted charter.
Nerima Wako
Nerima Wako is the Executive Director of Siasa Place (SP), a youth organisation established in 2015, dedicated to creating an environment that enables Kenyan youth to directly engage with the political mainstream. Siasa Place is an organisation working to educate youth on electoral processes, constitution, government institutions. As a graduate of sociology and journalism, and a master’s in Public Policy, Nerima demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in a range of youth-related topics. Her commitment to enhancing youth participation is evident through her accomplishments, such as serving as a Convenor at Youth Serving Organizations Kenya, a network of 30 youth organisations. Nerima is also a Member of the UNDP Youth Sounding Board, Member of the Youth Advisory Committee to the Kingdom of Netherlands (2022-2023), and even holds the title of Top 40 Under 40 for the year of 2023.
Jokate Mwegelo
Jokate Mwegelo is a National Secretary General of the Tanzania CCM Women’s wing, where she relentlessly advocates for women’s voices and their political advancement. As a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics, she brings over sixteen years of experience in beauty, fashion, and activism. Jokate holds a Master’s degree in International Cooperation and Development and is the recipient of numerous public service awards both locally and internationally. She holds esteemed positions in global forums such as the Club de Madrid Forum’s Youth and Women in Democracy Initiative, shaping initiatives for women’s leadership across Africa. Jokate believes a democratised Africa offers the best platform for global development partners to engage in direct and sustainable development projects to uplift African communities.
Qyira Yusri
Qyira Yusri is the Co-Founder and Education Director of #Undi18. Founded by a group of young Malaysians, #Undi18 is a grassroots movement that has succeeded in lobbying the Malaysian Government and Parliament to amend Article 119(1) of the Federal Constitution to reduce the voting age from 21 to 18. As part of her advocacy for freedom of assembly, speech, and political participation, Qyira has taken part in and coordinated a number of direct action activities. Additionally, she has been a consultant for various human rights campaigns in Malaysia and across ASEAN, including citizenship, detention, and death penalty abolition campaigns.
She was appointed Special Adviser on Youth to the EU Commissioner in 2022, focusing on youth, peace, and security issues. With #Undi18, she leads the voter education initiatives by creating workshop modules and creative content to ensure Malaysians are prepared to vote.