| We are delighted to announce Namatai Kwekweza as the winner of the first Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. The founder and director of WELEAD Trust, Namatai is a national activist from Zimbabwe who fearlessly mobilizes young people to protect democracy and the rule of law. Despite persecution, her influence extends regionally and internationally. Through WELEAD Trust, she promotes youth participation, leadership, and advocacy, and is recognized for her passion, intelligence, and commitment. We’re honored that she will join us to accept her award at the Athens Democracy Forum in late September. |
| Launched in 2023 by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy & Culture Foundation (DCF), the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 and presented each year at the Forum. The aim of the Prize is to recognise exceptional leadership and inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy. We would like to congratulate and thank all nominees and finalists. As we reflect on this first year of the prize, it was heartwarming to see so many incredible and powerful initiatives led by amazing young leaders throughout the world. |
| Catching up on speakers As we race toward the next edition of the Athens Democracy Forum, we are delighted to announce a new set of inspiring speakers who have confirmed their participation: |
   |
| Keyu JinAuthor and Professor of EconomicsLondon School of EconomicsCarlos Alvarado Queseda 48th President of Costa Rica; Member, Club de MadridJutta UrpilainenEuropean Commissioner for International PartnershipsEuropean Union |
   |
| Bruno MaçãesSenior AdvisorFlint Global;former Secretary of State for European Affairs in PortugalElhadj As SyChairKofi Annan Foundation BoardBenedict FrankeVice Chairman and C.E.O.Munich Security Conference |
| Register Now |
| As previously announced, other speakers include Thomas L. Friedman, author, and New York Times columnist; Laura Thornton, Senior Vice President, Democracy, German Marshall Fund; Art O’Leary, C.E.O. of the Electoral Commission of Ireland, and secretary to the citizens’ assemblies on biodiversity loss; Fatou Jeng, Youth Advisor to the UN Secretary General; Amos Gitai, Filmmaker; Simon Reid-Henry, author and academic; and many more…Visit our speaker page to have a look and view our latest agenda here. |
