Thank You Democracy Podcast

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Dr. Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA, to discuss his path in public service, the advice he would give to his younger self, effective ways to increase youth engagement in today’s political processes, and his personal story as to why he has dedicated most of his life to promoting and protecting democracy.

Kevin brings vast experience and insight as the former Vice President of Costa Rica, a distinguished political scientist, and a globally recognized advocate for democratic governance. For more on Kevin’s unique perspective and personal stories, listen in to this episode!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, we sat down with two members of Club De Madrid’s #WYDE Global Network of Young Decision Makers network, Jokate Mwegelo, the Secretary General of CCM’s Youth Wing in Tanzania, and Elena Motta, a member of congress in Guatemala. During this episode, they discuss their decisions to run for political positions, how political violence impacts the participation of women in politics, institutional and societal steps needed to protect women in politics, their advice, and more.

Jokate Mwegelo previously served as the District Commissioner for Kisarawe, where she led initiatives to enhance education and infrastructure, is the founder of Kidoti Company and was recognized on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list for her contributions to youth and women’s empowerment.

Elena Motta is known for her work in legislative reforms and social initiatives. Prior to her role in Congress, she was an advocate for community development and played a key part in promoting educational and economic programs to support marginalized communities.

Learn more about their incredible perspectives and inspiring journey’s in this episode.

In the second episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Asia Centre sat down with Prim Maneechot, Thai advocate for human rights and civil society, to discuss the enduring impact of Thailand’s youth movements in democratic initiatives such an the push for free and fair elections, education system reform, a more democratic constitution and challenging traditional structures like monarchy, all crucial issues in today’s global democracy.

Prim brings vast experience and insight as a community organizer for Article Group, a volunteer project coordinator for the project “Freedom of Expression”, a freelance content creator, law tutor and passionate human rights defender. For more on Prim’s thoughts, listen in to this episode!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, to discuss why the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are fundamental to a thriving democracy, some global trends that are particularly alarming, how young people are shaping the current and future landscape of these rights, current gaps in educational efforts, and more.

Gina brings vast experience and insight as the co-founder and former Executive Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy, one of our coalition partners, and the Leading/Senior Researcher for the Youth Violence Assessment in Colombia for Democracy International. For more on Gina’s unique perspective and inspiring journey, listen in to this episode!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Jorge Jraissati, President of our Coalition Partner Economic Inclusion Group, to discuss his professional journey, his decision to focus on the intersection of economic opportunity, financial inclusion, and democracy, the impact anti-money laundering laws and counterterrorism financing regulations have on people’s lives, why it is essential to include young voices in economic policymaking, and more.

Jorge, while only 28, brings an experienced background as a researcher at IESE Business School, an economic and policy consultant, and is known for his work advocating in G7 countries for financial reforms to guarantee a “Right to Banking” for immigrants and human rights defenders. Jorge is also an influential voice in his home country, Venezuela, pushing for greater political and economic freedoms.

To learn more about Jorge, his journey, and to hear his incredibly unique perspective, listen to this episode.