Young people around the world are pushing for change.
In Bhutan, a young democracy that was once the world’s most reclusive kingdom, youth are beginning to assert their voices. A group of young people recently spearheaded a social media campaign challenging the ruling conservative elites about a new anti-smoking law that has jailed over 50 people for simply possessing tobacco. Speaking against the government was unimaginable even a few years ago in Bhutan, but the younger generation is embracing their new democratic rights.
In the Arab world where democratic transition was once unthinkable, young people played an important role throughout the Middle East and North Africa to oust their corrupt, autocratic rulers. As the Arab Spring progresses, youth will undeniably have a role as countries begin to embark on their new democratic paths.
Do young people in your country have similar stories to tell? If so, CIPE wants to know! We invite youth (aged 18 – 30) from around the world to share their ideas on democratic and economic development. There’s less than one month left to tell us, so don’t wait until the last minute to enter the essay contest! The deadline is November 14th, 2011 and you can submit your essay here.
Published Date: October 19, 2011