Nationality: South African

Present residency: Pretoria, South Africa

Year of birth: 2004

Participating in the 6th IYTT International Youth Conference will be a transformative experience that will enhance my personal development by broadening my understanding of global issues and diverse perspectives, especially regarding democracy. Engaging with like-minded individuals and experts will inspire me to refine my advocacy skills and deepen my commitment to promoting sign language education. Additionally, the experience will bolster my confidence in public speaking and networking, crucial skills for my future career in law. Ultimately, the conference will equip me with new insights and tools to drive positive change within my community and beyond.

I will contribute to a conference socially by actively connecting with fellow attendees during networking breaks and social events, fostering meaningful relationships and collaborations. By engaging in discussions and sharing personal experiences and insights in workshops and sessions, they can contribute to the collective learning and exchange of ideas. Organizing informal meetups or participating in group activities will help create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, where everyone feels valued and involved. Additionally, I will advocate for respect for diverse viewpoints, enriching the conference with varied perspectives and promoting a supportive community spirit.

I will contribute ideas to the conference by emphasizing the importance of linguistic inclusivity as a fundamental value in an open, peaceful, and democratic society. Drawing from my proposal, I will advocate for the mandatory integration of sign language in school curricula to ensure that deaf individuals have equal opportunities for self-expression and participation. I will highlight the role of empathy and understanding in breaking down communication barriers, fostering mutual respect among diverse groups. By sharing real-life experiences and insights, I will underscore the significance of extending the philosophy of Ubuntu to include the deaf community, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Year of Birth: 2002

To be part of a conference that celebrates diversity in opinions, intellects and cultural and national backgrounds means that I get to be part of something bigger than me. A responsibility that will not only develop my character and cultural sensitivity and awareness but one that allows me to use my gift of writing to change the realities of those like me. This conference means that all we need sometimes is to simply believe in ourselves – believe in myself.

Active participation requires one to not only be a mere listener but to share their realities, experiences and ideas as a means of networking. To contribute to the conference socially, I will share aspects of my culture, customs, traditions, background and lived reality to build connections beyond the conference while promoting mutual respect and understanding – and ocassionally taking the lead when necessary.

By sharing what democracy means to me while simultaneously promoting an inclusive dialogue. A dialogue where we formulate a consensus of what democracy is to us as individuals, respectively; as well as a global (and African) consensus of democracy. What stands out, however, is the intricate role of education (in and outside educational institutions). In addition to this, I intend to provide practical solutions on addressing these values.

Nationality: South African

Present Residence: Ekurhuleni, South Africa

Year of birth: 2004

I deeply believe that my personal development will be greatly enhanced by attending this conference as I believe that this conference will provide me with the opportunity to enhance my exposure to more diverse perspectives surrounding Democracy both as a concept and as a way of life. I believe that I will also get the opportunity to learn from individuals who perhaps are more learnered than I on matters related to democracy, and therefore they will help feed into my knowledge and comprehension of the challenges facing democracy and the ideas we can formulate to help safeguard democracy in the future. This will help improve the way in which I continue to safe guard democracy in South Africa and enable me to contest for opportunities in the space of democracy building and enhancing regional to global governance, as a result increasing my exposure to new spaces and environments.

One of the things I am keenly looking forward to is the opportunity to engage with other young people throughout the world who have ideas surrounding democracy, I believe the opportunity to share insights surrounding democracy and our unique lived experiences with democracy will ultimately allow us to grow beyond symposium colleagues into friends. Hopefully these friendships will allow us to continue engaging and sharing ideas and insights surrounding democracy and foster a global collaborative effort between all of us the conference participants and therefore allow us to be much more effective in our efforts around the world.

I believe firstly I will need to speak from my own unique lived reality of as ann African and South African. I believe that finding solutions from history will be a useful way of not only devising ideas, but it allows for us to find organic solutions that are still familiar and relevant to the current crisis democratic societies face. South Africa’s history of Apartheid and the Democratic Dispensation bares examples for many democracies around the world to learn from with respect to the values of openness and peace. Beyond finding solutions from my own space, I believe that I will need to focus on finding ideas that are centred around common humanity. This is informed by the understanding that the primary opponent of openness and peaceful democratic societies is in fact the establishment of an idea of “otherhood” by deconstructing the tools used by opponents to openness and peace in societies, I believe I can begin to identify the ideas to the challenges facing democratic societies, furthermore by deconstructing these notions, I will also be able to predict the future tools of these movements against open, peaceful and democratic societies and therefore ensure that these ideas are adaptable and resilient to these regressive forces.

Nationality: Malawian

Present residency: South Africa

Year of birth: 1999

Being a participant will expose me to diverse perspectives and innovative ideas thus deepening my understanding of democratisation, peacebuilding, and democracy renewal. Engaging with experts and peers will provide valuable insights and inspiration, empowering me to make a positive impact. Furthermore, It will enhance my communication and networking skills, boosting my confidence and professional growth as well as help me build lasting connections and set informed, ambitious goals for my future.

I will, socially, contribute to the conference by actively engaging in discussions, sharing my unique perspectives and experiences. I will also engage with speakers by asking insightful questions that challenge assumptions and encourage deeper exploration on, for instance, open society doctrines flaws which may result in possible challenges and disapproval. Moreover, I will share takeaways, insights, and questions from the conference on my social media and, perhaps, that will spark conversations beyond the conference walls.

I intend to contribute by offering thoroughly researched insights into the significance of transparency, inclusiveness, and active citizen participation in fostering an open, peaceful, and democratic society, examining pivotal cases such as the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Additionally, I will engage in thoughtful discussions to collaboratively develop evidence-based policy proposals for democratisation and peacebuilding emphasising the role of education, civil society and the media in fostering a culture of democracy and peace.

Nationality: Nigerian

Present residency: South Africa

Year of birth: 2001

I believe the knowledge received at the IYTT Youth conference will well equip me with various critical thinking skills and insights that would enable me to be a change agent in my sphere of influence as a resident of South Africa and future practitioner. I love to engage in deep and stimulating conversations that provokes thought and reflection, and therefore learning and reasoning about various aspects of democracy and equality with great minds at the conference would be an invaluable experience for me. I believe that this conference might help to better curate my passions to be more effective at implementing changes, equality, transparency and fairness where I can in my community and society at large.

I will bring to the conference my experiences working in various committees in the past few years, which were aimed at making a difference in the lives of others. This include committees such as IFMSA and FoMSF. I would also bring the knowledge I have acquired from taking part in a humanity course which taught me insights on various topics such as race, democracy, equality vs equity, economics, cultural sensitivity, design thinking and reflection, law, and human rights advocacy.

I hope to promote the idea of equity of resources, equality of human dignity, fairness and transparency in democracy. I believe democracy, as demonstrated in the Bill of Rights, should lead to the empowerment, equality, freedom and dignity of all groups, as these are values that are inherent to the rights of all humans. Democracy should govern every part of a society’s action, but for it to be successful, it requires transparency from its governing body, and continued input for its people.

Nationality: Ugandan

Present residency: Cape Town, South Africa

Year of birth: 2000

I am running across the continent preaching a democracy and an approach to peace that focuses on results, than divides the parties engaged on lines of freedom fighters and dictators, and siblings and foes. Attending the conference will widen my scope.

I am bringing myself and my background to the conference. Everyone else will have something to tap into – much the same way, as I will.

One thing: if we can convince many of us that we are a one human family, the better. There is no autocratic human being. There is no democratic human being, no peaceful or chaotic human being – there is only one human being capable of doing the things other human beings are doing.

Nationality: Botswana

Present residency: Cape Town, South Africa

Year of birth: 1998

Through this conference, I am hoping to engage in interactive sessions that will enhance my learning experience and consequently develop me at both professional and personal levels. I am also looking forward to being inspired by the different individuals who have also been selected to participate in the conference.

I intend to make valuable social contributions to the conference by actively participating in the networking sessions and building long term beneficial collaborations. In addition, I will continue contributing to the discussions during the conference by asking insightful questions as well as sharing my experience.

My intention is to contribute significantly regarding the values of open and democratic society by promoting openness through discussions the importance of transparency, accountability and free flow of information which I believe are crucial for any democratic institution and will foster an open discussion during the conference. Not only that, I also wish to stress the importance of democratic institutions, rule of law, human rights and civic engagement because these would help in ensuring peace and openness and would consequently empower the participants in shaping their communities after the conference.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Durban, South Africa

Year of birth: 2000

Engaging with diverse perspectives on democracy will deepen my understanding of how open societies can be sustained, especially in these challenging times. Networking with global youth leaders, policymakers, and researchers will broaden my professional connections and foster collaborations to advance my environmental and social justice advocacy. This experience will also hone my public speaking and leadership skills, empowering me to more effectively advocate for systemic change and inspire others in the fight for a sustainable and equitable future.

As a participant, I will contribute socially by actively engaging in discussions and sharing my unique perspective on climate justice and environmental governance. I will bring insights from my work with Zero Waste Durban and Green Africa Youth Organisation and my experiences in grassroots activism. Additionally, I aim to foster meaningful connections with fellow participants, encouraging collaboration and mutual support.

I will emphasise the importance of inclusive decision-making processes that prioritise marginalised communities and highlight how environmental governance can strengthen democratic principles. By advocating for transparency, accountability, and grassroots participation, I will bring forward strategies that ensure all voices are heard and respected in the pursuit of sustainable and equitable solutions.

Nationality: Zambian

Present residency: Pretoria, South Africa

Year of birth: 2002

Working alongside passionate peers and drawing inspiration from Nobel Laureates and experts provides me with the opportunity to enhance my skills in democracy entrepreneurship. This aligns perfectly with my future ambitions to be at the forefront of shaping more equitable and resilient democratic structures in the African continent and beyond.

My colourful background in terms of my life and travel experiences, enables me to quickly connect with people from different cultures. It also gives diverse viewpoints that can provide more insights for the topic of the conference.

I volunteer in NGOs and I am also a Research Assistant and postgraduate student in International Relations. These roles provide me with a strong theoretical and practical foundation that I will utilise to effectively collaborate with fellow participants, articulate my views and formulate policy.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Johannesburg, South Africa

Year of Birth: 2002

My personal development will be enhanced through conference participation. It will provide me with the opportunity to learn from experts, network with like-minded individuals, gain new perspectives and insights, and expand my knowledge and skills in democracy innovation.

I will contribute to the conference by actively participating in discussions with other attendees, sharing my knowledge and perspectives on relevant topics, networking with professionals in my field, and taking part in any social activities or events planned during the conference. I am hoping for a positive and inclusive environment where everyone will feel welcome and encouraged to participate.

I will contribute to the conference by discussing the importance of values such as openness, peace, and democracy in society. I aim to share insights on how these values can lead to a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals have the freedom to express themselves and participate in decision-making processes. By promoting these values, we can create a more harmonious and prosperous community for all members.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Pretoria, South Africa

Year of Birth: 2002

This conference will deepen my understanding of democracy by exposing me to diverse perspectives and expert insights. More than that, it will enhance my critical thinking skills and allow me the opportunity to move beyond just identifying problems, to being part of creating solutions. I am most looking forward to my engagement with other participants and the learning that can take place through our discussions.

I hope to contribute by sharing my ideas and experiences, but also by actively listening to others. I am going in with an open mind, willing for my ideas to be challenged and excited to hear and absorb insights from those around me.

There is no shortage of challenges confronting democracy, but my engagement with the youth and hearing the invaluable contributions we can make, makes me so optimistic about the future. I hope to contribute practical, implementable ideas about how to foster youth perspectives, and explore ways to incorporate them to create an open, peaceful and democratic society.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Year of birth: 1998

Engaging with such a diverse group will enrich my capabilities in data analysis and economic policy formulation. I am particularly excited about training in democracy entrepreneurship, which will equip me with innovative tools to advocate for and implement data-driven policies that address inequality and promote a more inclusive democracy.

I will contribute to the conference by building networks and fostering connections among participants from diverse fields. Engaging with people of different expertise will promote mutual growth and collaboration, a lesson we South Africans know too well – ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.

I will bring a strong emphasis on the importance of data as a foundation for democracy. By sharing my expertise in data analysis and economics, I aim to stimulate discussions on how open information can strengthen peaceful democratic values. My contributions will focus on practical ways to use data to enhance accountability and inclusivity.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Gauteng, South Africa

Year of Birth: 1996

I am hoping to connect with like-minded individuals, industry leaders, and experts, potentially leading to new relationships, collaborations, and career opportunities. I also strongly believe I will get motivation from Nobel Peace Prize laureates , keynote speakers and success stories.

As a conference participant, I will contribute to the conference socially by engaging fully with speakers, panelists, and fellow attendees. I will connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships through conversations. I will also share key takeaways, insights, and conference highlights on social media platforms. I am willing to share perspectives and learn from others from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding. By contributing socially, I aim to enhance the conference experience for all attendees, foster a sense of community, and build lasting connections.

As a conference participant, I would contribute to the discussion on values of an open, peaceful, and democratic society by sharing insights and experiences related to the importance of democracy, peace, and openness in society. I will foster respectful discussions, actively listening to diverse viewpoints and promoting understanding. I will contribute in emphasizing the significance of democratic principles, such as equality, justice, and human rights. I will also share ideas on non-violent conflict resolution, mediation, and diplomacy. As a writer with narrating skills, I will also share stories of individuals or organizations working towards peace, democracy, and openness, inspiring others to take action. By contributing to the discussion, I aim to enrich the conference with diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences, ultimately strengthening our collective commitment to an open, peaceful, and democratic society.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Cape Town, South Africa

Year of birth: 1996

As a young professional in the development sector I believe networks are a catalyst for change in our world. A conference like this serves as a unique hub and platform for forming lifelong networks of impact. As a participant in the conference I aim to learn from peers and experts, broadening my perspectives and being inspired by new ideas on how to promote inclusive and democratic societies. Spaces like these also provide an opportunity for those working in similar fields to identify areas of cooperation and co-creation. I look forward to the chance to work with like-minded peers to develop practical solutions to challenges faced in our work.

As a South African I hope to share many of the wonderful treasures of our nation’s diverse history and cultures with fellow peers coming from abroad. I will also be learning from other participants about their countries and personal life stories. I enjoy hearing about the things that inspire and motivate other youth to do the work they do, and will be engaging with fellow participants on these topics.

Drawing on nearly a decade of experience working in the civic and youth development sectors I hope to contribute inputs on some of the challenges and solutions I’ve encountered in my work. As the founder of Impacting Youth, an international youth engagement consultancy, I would also like to emphasize the importance of effective effective inter-generational leadership, dialogue and mentorship in achieving open, peaceful and democratic societies. Lastly I look forward to promoting the value of multi-stakeholder dialogue, consensus-building and collective action in navigating the global challenges of the 21st century including the AI revolution, climate change, growing inequality and increased polarization.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Hoedspruit Limpopo, South Africa

Year of birth: 1999

I am elated to personally develop by expanding my knowledge on democratic principles and governance and hone my leadership skills through interactive discussions and connect with like-minded individuals.

By being part of this conference, I am given the opportunity to learn and develop innovative solutions for social and political issues that enhance democracy.

I have learnt to respect diverse perspectives thus promoting inclusivity and understanding. I believe that these values are essential for an open, peaceful and democratic society.

Nationality: Pakistani

Present residency: South Africa

Year of birth: 1998

I am hoping that the conference will be a great source of learning and empowerment for me. As an intersectional activist and feminist, I always endeavour to engage in opportunities that will lead to my personal development and, in turn, be of use to my peers and community. As a fellow, the conference provides me with an opportunity to learn from Nobel Peace Prize laureates, research scholars, and executive professionals and equips me with the tools to continue standing up for equality, peace, and democracy.

I am excited to listen to and learn from my peers as well as collaboratively create proposals for democritisation, peace building, and democracy renewal. I hope to actively engage with my peers and share my unique experience of being a first generation immigrant and the perspective that has given me. I am also hoping to apply the principles of ubuntu in our discussions and our proposals, ensuring that all of our unique voices are heard, valued, and represented.

As a Pakistani – South African, I bring a unique perspective shaped by both South Africa and Pakistan’s complex socio-political landscape to the conference. As a young activist, my experience in grassroots organizing and conflict resolution will help develop actionable strategies for peace-building and inclusive governance. Through collaboration, I aim to foster dialogue and create impactful solutions for promoting open, peaceful, and democratic societies and a brighter future.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: South Africa

Year of Birth: 1999

The symposium and think tank will provide me with insights and expertise from experts and fellow participants, exposing me to new ideas and knowledge that can help me develop my skills and understanding in the field of youth development and democracy at large. Meeting with other attendees and speakers can provide me with valuable connections and relationships that can lead to future opportunities for collaboration, employment, or further education.

I bring with me a unique expertise and knowledge base of youth development and a passion for social impact, I am fun energetic, I make friends quite quickly because I’m generally friendly and have good interpersonal skills. I will try to participate in the engagements inside and outside formal sessions.

I can offer suggestions and solutions based on my knowledge, experiences, and ideas, helping to identify practical ways to promote the values of an open, peaceful, and democratic society. I’m a Community Development graduate and professional and with extensive experience in participatory democracy and how this should inform progressive policy making and implementation, I think I will be able to contribute ideas relating to this. I will also respect other people’s ideas and opinions and will also engage in a respectful manner taking into account everyone else’s context.

Nationality: South African

This opportunity will provide me with a unique platform to engage with global thought leaders and like-minded peers. This experience will further broaden my perspective on critical issues, improve my leadership and communication skills, and inspire innovative thinking. Additionally, the collaborative environment will foster a deeper understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and global challenges, preparing me to contribute more effectively to my community.

I aim to whole-heartedly contribute by actively engaging with fellow participants, sharing diverse perspectives, and fostering inclusive discussions to build a network of passionate young leaders who like myself are driven and, to collaborate, and create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. And most importantly, to create memories, long-term partnerships, and become part of a new community.

I intend to contribute by openly sharing innovative ideas on promoting transparency, advocating for youth quotas within policy-making in the context of YPS, and supporting educational initiatives that empower individuals to actively participate in democratic processes furthermore encouraging community based partnerships to advance democracy.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Johannesburg, South Africa

Year of birth: 2001

Participating in the IYTT Conference will enable me to engage with diverse perspectives on democracy, deepening my understanding of its complexities and nurturing my peace-building approach. This transformative experience provides an opportunity to develop new capabilities, enhance my critical thinking skills, and expand my network. I look forward to gaining valuable insights that are bound to significantly contribute to my growth as a young advocate for democracy and social justice.

I bring to the conference a wealth of social capacities and experiences that will enrich discussions and activities. My involvement in climate activism and student governance has equipped me with strong research, analytical, and communication skills, essential for meaningful engagement. Through various involvements, I have honed my ability to work effectively in diverse teams, engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I’m eager to contribute by actively participating in discussions, sharing my insights, and fostering a collaborative environment to encourage inclusive participation among my peers.

I will contribute to the conference by advocating for innovative ideas to strengthen democracy, such as integrating democratic education into school curricula and increasing youth involvement in politics. My focus on transparency and accountability in governance, along with promoting civil society engagement and media freedom, aim to ensure that diverse voices are heard, respected and meaningfully engaged with to effect change. I am committed to developing practical solutions that uphold the values of an open, peaceful, and democratic society.

Nationality: South African

Present residency: Mthatha, South Africa

Year of birth: 1997

It can serve as an exposure, and an opportunity of engaging with individuals who have different perspectives and understanding about the significance of democracy and its values.

By actively participating sharing my views, and also by listening to the views of others inorder to learn more about the subject discussed.

I can actively participate in the conference and contribute eloquently to discussions about the significance of democracy and it ideals and by working together with other attendees in promoting a deeper understanding of the democratic principles.

Nationality: South Africa

Present residency: Johannesburg, South Africa

Year of birth: 2001

I will be able to work on my relationship building skills and engagement in impactful workshopping. These are skills that I need for my work and it’s a skill set that I hope to improve on during my participation in the conference.

I would love to connect to the other participants and hopefully build an interdisciplinary network of individuals invested in this mission. I would hope to connect participants with anyone in my existing network that might further their work/interests.

I will bring an emphasis on the issues we address in my organization: entrepreneurship, leadership and women’s empowerment to the forefront. I hope that my first hand experience might be helpful to the process.