Back to Index

World Youth Day for Democracy: Lets us claim the future
Youth Forum
October 18, 2012

Every year, on October 18, the World celebrates the World Youth Day for Democracy. This is the day when young democracy supporters commemorate and celebrate their role in fighting for and strengthening democracy.

This year's theme is "Claim the Future" - a nod to the powerful influence that young people all over the world can exert in their communities, representatives and on the political process.

This year's theme is also a challenge. The last few years have proven that active young people can achieve great things. This is evidenced by the results of youth-led protests in the Middle East and North Africa, now popularly referred to as the Arab Spring Uprisings, which resulted in the falling of a number of dictators in countries like Libya and Egypt. The 2012 World Youth Day for Democracy is a rallying call to all young people: let us do our part and claim the future.

For us to claim our future there are basic responsibilities that befall upon us as young people, especially young Zimbabweans. One of these being our ability to participate in national processes like the Constitution making process' outreach programs, and if we failed to make it there, then let us make our voices count during the impending referendum, by casting our vote against or for the constitution, depending on what it will have to offer us as young people.

Another way we can make a real difference and 'claim the future' is by registering to vote and voting. It is important for young people to understand that we are the kingmakers, as we constitute more than 60% of Zimbabwe's total population. To this end, the Youth Forum is running a campaign aimed at encouraging young people to register as voters and take part in the actual elections

The Youth Forum also wishes to recognize courageous efforts of young people across the world and to reiterate essential values that youth contribute to the public sphere. October 18 is a day when we, as young democracy activists, commemorate and celebrate our role in fighting for and strengthening democracy.

Our contributions go beyond addressing youth-related issues; we help address issues of health, education, governance, economic development, and domestic and communal violence, all of which are relevant to greater communities. The Youth Forum aspires to greater participation of youth in policy making, public discussions, development planning, peace building, and other processes of advancing democracy.

Visit the Youth Forum fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP