The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is a symbol of recognition and support for the advancement of democracy and the efforts of young leaders. It was created by the Democracy & Culture Foundation (DCF) in partnership with the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF). The goal of this prestigious award is to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work of young activists who have shown intellectual and practical leadership in their efforts to defend and promote democracy.
Overview of the Prize:
The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, now in its second edition, offers a unique platform to recognize, support, and inspire young leaders aged between 18 and 30. The prize includes a monetary award of USD 10,000 and a one-year mentorship with a recognized democracy expert or senior leader. A notable feature is the opportunity for the winner to speak at the Athens Democracy Forum annually, officially passing the award on to the next recipient.
Objectives of the Prize:
The overarching objectives of the prize include:
- Recognition of Leadership: Acknowledge outstanding intellectual and practical leadership demonstrated by young activists in the defense and promotion of democracy.
- Mentorship Support: Provide the recipient with a one-year mentorship, fostering their growth in the field of democracy.
- Inspiration for Commitment: Inspire and encourage young people to actively contribute to the advancement of democracy through appropriate publicity.
Highlighted Actions:
The prize aims to spotlight actions taken by young individuals that contribute significantly to various aspects of democracy, including fostering participation in decision-making, promoting peaceful dialogue, advancing intergenerational exchange, giving voice to marginalized communities, and advocating for free and fair elections.
Application Process for 2024:
- Applications for 2024 nominations open on January 15, 2024.
- Nominations must be submitted by midnight CET on March 31, 2024.
- Nominations must come from an organization.
- Nominees must be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of nomination.
Nomination Requirements:
To submit a nomination, the following must be included:
- Completed Submission Form
- A Cover Letter of support (maximum 500 words)
- Short video testimony from the nominee (2 minutes max, can be shot on a smartphone)
Previous Winner:
The information provided does not mention the 2023 winner of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. It is important to announce past winners as it demonstrates the prize’s influence and the path of these emerging leaders.
Conclusion:
As we embark on a journey towards a stronger and more inclusive democracy, the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize acts as a catalyst for change. This award acknowledges, supports, and motivates young leaders, contributing to the collective effort of strengthening democracy worldwide.
The nomination process for 2024 is a call to action for organizations to identify and put forward deserving young activists who are actively making a difference in promoting democracy. Let us work together to empower the next generation of democratic leaders and create positive change on a global level.
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