With the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine coming soon, Ukrainian young people are being called upon and shaping the present and future of Ukraine. Some serve their country through their military service, while others, like Kateryna Hlushchenko, support Ukrainian civil society and are beginning to plan what the future of a free Ukraine would look like. Kateryna is a Board member of “Community of Active Youth”, a National Endowment for Democracy-funded civil society organization that promotes youth activism and supports youth amid war.

In the heart of Daoukro, a city with deep political and cultural significance in central Côte d'Ivoire, the past three years have witnessed a troubling descent into conflict and division. It began in 2019 when clashes erupted between youth from different ethnic groups (Malinké and Baoulé), triggered by a brutal killing that was allegedly perpetrated by members of one group against the other, which set off a chain of escalating tensions. Violence during the 2020 elections further exacerbated these divisions, resulting in violent confrontations and casualties.

In recognition of International Day of the Girl Child, NDI is celebrating the invaluable contributions of young women and girls globally who act as leaders and changemakers in their communities. Despite the persistent challenges preventing young women and girls from participating in civic and political life, NDI partner organizations are creating more gender-inclusive, democratic societies.

Strengthening the decision making of homeowners has been a vital step in the evolution and development of democratic norms. Improving the rights of homeowners not only strengthens their abilities to hold institutions and property managers accountable, but it has consistently helped to develop a culture of democratic oversight, and is a small step towards normalizing citizen control of policies that reflect their  needs.

Since 2021, NDI has championed young people’s civic and political participation through the Speak Youth to Power campaign. Under this campaign, NDI is working to increase young people’s impact, influence and leadership in decision-making spaces and engage a more diverse cohort of young leaders. Also, in 2021, President Biden hosted the first Summit for Democracy, which was an opportunity to shine a light on the barriers preventing young people in all their diversity from accessing and influencing decision-making spaces.

This story is part of a series highlighting the work done through the Equal Rights in Action (ERA) Fund. Through the ERA Fund, NDI supports local activist organizations all over the world, strengthening democracy and defending the human rights of marginalized communities. LGBTQI+ communities, people with disabilities (PWD) and other marginalized communities face discrimination and unfair treatment at the individual and systemic levels, operating with limited resources and overcoming tumultuous circumstances.

The rise of political tensions in Senegal, primarily due to the trial between opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and Ms. Adji Sarr and his defamation trial from the Minister of Tourism Mame Mbaye Niang, has prompted widespread fears among Senegalese citizens. As a result, many observers worry that the country will plunge into intense political violence between supporters and opponents of power.

The benefits of high levels of interpersonal trust, community engagement, government responsiveness and acceptance of all groups are almost too many to list. Democracy is more successful in societies with these attributes. To promote greater citizen engagement at the local level in Ecuador, NDI and local partners strengthened cooperation between local governments and civil society to address the needs and rights of marginalized groups and promote stronger and more interconnected communities in the country.

Ukraine’s youth have shown incredible bravery and resilience amid Russia’s brutal and unjustified war. Across the country and abroad, young people came together to support each other and their fellow citizens. One example is the Ukrainian members of the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN), a platform supported by USAID, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). EDYN brings together young leaders in Europe and Eurasia who are committed to advancing democracy and civic engagement in their countries, including Ukraine.