ENoP

Amplifying Young People in Parliament: Capacity Building for Young Legislators, Part II
2026-03-17 08:30 - 2026-03-18 17:00 (Africa/Nairobi)
17–18 March 2026 | Naivasha, Kenya
On 17 and 18 March 2026, young legislators and political party representatives from across Kenya will gather in Naivasha for the workshop “Amplifying Young People in Parliament: Capacity Building for Young Legislators, Part II.” The event is organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in cooperation with the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union.
The workshop aims to strengthen youth political leadership and support young elected representatives in shaping political processes, party structures and policy priorities ahead of the 2026 political cycle. Bringing together young parliamentarians, youth-wing leaders and political stakeholders from different parties, the event will provide a space for reflection, strategic planning and cross-party dialogue.
Over the two days, participants will reflect on recent developments in Kenya’s political landscape and discuss the main opportunities and barriers affecting youth political participation and leadership. The programme will include reflective plenary discussions, experience-sharing sessions, technical working sessions and strategic roundtables focusing on strengthening youth structures within political parties and enhancing mentorship and leadership pathways.
A key component of the workshop will be the collaborative development of the 2026 KYPA Workplan, which will serve as a cross-party, youth-centred roadmap outlining strategic priorities, interventions and coordination mechanisms for youth political engagement across parties. Participants will work together to identify common priorities related to governance, digital policy, economic opportunities, accountability, peace and security, and youth inclusion in political decision-making.
The event will also provide an opportunity for cross-party dialogue between government and opposition representatives, aiming to identify areas of convergence that reflect youth aspirations and contribute to more inclusive political processes.
Through activities such as this workshop, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support youth political participation, strengthen democratic institutions and foster dialogue and cooperation between political actors across regions. By empowering young political leaders and supporting cross-party collaboration, the project contributes to more inclusive, representative and responsive political systems.
The workshop is expected to result in a revised strategic framework and concrete action plan for youth political engagement in Kenya in 2026, reinforcing the role of young leaders in shaping the country’s political future.
Event: Amplifying Young People in Parliament: Capacity Building for Young Legislators, Part IIDate: 17–18 March 2026Location: Naivasha, KenyaOrganised by: Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in cooperation with the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA)Project: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionParticipants: Young parliamentarians, youth political leaders and political party representativesMain topics: Youth political leadership, party structures, youth participation, political strategy and policy priorities

Responsible Leadership: Financial Integrity and Resource Management in Politics
2026-03-26 09:00 - 2026-03-29 14:00
From 26 to 29 March 2026, young political leaders from Ghana will participate in the training “Responsible Leadership: Financial Integrity and Resource Management in Politics,” organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union.
The training will take place in Koforidua, Ghana, and aims to strengthen financial integrity, transparency and responsible resource management among emerging political leaders. In many political contexts, young leaders face significant challenges in managing financial resources, ensuring accountability and making sound financial decisions. Strengthening financial management skills and promoting ethical leadership are therefore essential for building public trust and sustaining credible political leadership.
The programme will provide participants with practical knowledge and skills related to budgeting, financial oversight, political fundraising, campaign financing, financial accountability and ethical resource management. Through interactive sessions, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises, participants will explore financial decision-making processes, transparency mechanisms and responsible leadership practices in political and student-led organisations.
The training will also create a platform for exchange among young political leaders, allowing participants to share experiences and discuss common challenges related to political financing, accountability and resource management. By strengthening financial integrity and leadership skills, the training aims to contribute to more transparent, accountable and responsible political leadership in Ghana.
Through activities such as this training, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support democratic development by strengthening political leadership, promoting youth participation in politics and fostering responsible, transparent and accountable political practices.
The training is expected to strengthen participants’ financial management skills, improve decision-making and oversight capacities, and build a network of young leaders committed to ethical and responsible leadership.

Event Details
Event: Responsible Leadership: Financial Integrity and Resource Management in PoliticsDate: 26–29 March 2026Location: Capital View Hotel Tower, Koforidua, GhanaOrganised by: Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Ghana OfficeProject: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionMain topics: Financial literacy, political resource management, campaign financing, transparency, accountability and ethical leadership

Pre-Election Survey on Youth Political Priorities and Expectations in Kenya
2026-04-27 - 2026-05-31
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), in the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, is launching a national Pre-Election Survey on Youth Political Priorities and Expectations in Kenya.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 general elections, understanding the perspectives, expectations and priorities of young people has become increasingly important for the future of the country’s democratic development. With a significant majority of the population under the age of 35, youth represent a central force for political participation, economic development and social change. However, young people continue to face structural barriers to meaningful political participation and representation.
Despite constitutional provisions and efforts to promote youth representation, many young people remain excluded from decision-making processes, political leadership and policy development. At the same time, declining voter registration and turnout among young voters in recent elections reflects growing political disillusionment and a perception that political processes do not adequately reflect the interests and realities of younger generations.
Economic challenges further compound this situation. High unemployment, underemployment and limited access to economic opportunities continue to shape youth perceptions of political systems and governance. In addition, the high financial cost of running for political office remains one of the main barriers preventing young leaders from entering formal politics, reinforcing structural inequalities in political representation.
Against this backdrop, the survey aims to generate data-driven insights into the political and economic priorities, perceptions and expectations of Kenyan youth aged 18 to 35 ahead of the 2027 elections. The study will explore key issues influencing youth political participation, voting behaviour, political motivation and leadership ambitions, as well as the impact of economic realities on political engagement.
The research will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews across multiple counties in Kenya, ensuring representation across urban and rural areas, gender groups and socio-economic backgrounds. The study will also analyse differences in political attitudes among various youth segments, including students, employed and unemployed youth, and rural and urban populations.
The findings of the survey will provide evidence-based recommendations to support political actors, civil society organisations and civic education initiatives in developing more youth-centred political engagement strategies. The results will also contribute to public debates, policy discussions and future activities under the WYDE Political Parties project, helping to strengthen youth participation and representation in democratic processes.
Through initiatives such as this study, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support more inclusive political systems by promoting youth engagement, strengthening democratic participation and fostering dialogue between political actors and young citizens.
The survey represents an important step towards ensuring that the voices, priorities and aspirations of young people are better reflected in political agendas and democratic processes in Kenya.

AAPPRA Regional Conference in Nairobi, Kenya
2026-04-27 08:30 - 2026-04-29 17:00
Strengthening Political Party Regulation and Regional Cooperation in Africa
From 27 to 29 April 2026, political party regulatory authorities from across Africa will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for a regional conference focused on strengthening political party regulation and promoting more inclusive and accountable political party systems across the continent. The conference will bring together representatives from Kenya, Sierra Leone and Malawi, alongside international partners and experts in political party governance.
Hosted by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties of Kenya, the conference builds on previous regional exchanges and aims to further strengthen cooperation among political party regulatory authorities in Africa. The event is organised in partnership with the Christian Democratic International Centre (KIC), the Political Parties Regulation Commission of Sierra Leone, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties of Malawi, and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project.
Political parties play a central role in democratic governance as the main channels through which citizens organise politically, express interests and participate in public decision-making. Effective and transparent regulation of political parties is therefore essential to ensure accountability, fairness and inclusive political participation. Across many African countries, political party regulatory authorities face similar challenges related to political party financing, internal party democracy, dispute resolution and the meaningful participation of women and youth in political processes.
The Nairobi conference will provide a platform for peer learning, exchange of experiences and technical discussions on key regulatory issues. The agenda will include sessions on political party financing mechanisms, digitalisation of regulatory systems, governance models for political party oversight, conflict prevention and mediation within political parties, and approaches to institutionalising women and youth participation in political processes.
A key milestone of the conference will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among the participating regulatory authorities. This agreement will formalise their commitment to continued cooperation and will lay the foundation for the African Association of Political Party Regulatory Authorities (AAPPRA), a regional platform aimed at strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and institutional capacity among political party regulatory bodies in Africa.
By supporting regional cooperation and institutional strengthening among political party regulatory authorities, the WYDE Political Parties project contributes to the development of more inclusive, transparent and accountable political party systems, and to strengthening democratic governance through improved political party regulation and participation.
Event: AAPPRA Conference – Strengthening Political Party Regulation and Regional Collaboration in AfricaDate: 27–29 April 2026Location: Nairobi, Kenya (Villa Rosa Kempinski & Safari Park Hotel)Host: Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), KenyaOrganised by: Christian Democratic International Centre (KIC) in partnership with the Political Parties Regulation Commission Sierra Leone, Office of the Registrar of Political Parties Malawi, and the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP)Project: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionParticipants: Political party regulatory authorities from Kenya, Sierra Leone and Malawi, international partners, and experts in political party regulationMain topics: Political party financing, digitalisation of political party regulation, regulatory governance models, conflict prevention and mediation within political parties, women and youth political participation, and regional cooperation among political party regulatory authoritiesKey outcome: Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the foundation for the African Association of Political Party Regulatory Authorities (AAPPRA)

EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series
2026-04-30 09:00 - 12:00
Session 1: Resilient Leadership in High-Pressure Environments
On 30 April 2026, the first session of the EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series will take place in Accra, Ghana, bringing together emerging political leaders for an interactive exchange on leadership and decision-making. The session is organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union.
The session will focus on “Resilient Leadership in High-Pressure Environments,” addressing the growing need for political leaders who are capable of navigating complex institutional settings while maintaining integrity, accountability and effective decision-making. In today’s political landscape, emerging leaders are increasingly required to operate under pressure, manage competing interests and respond to rapidly evolving challenges, making resilience and ethical leadership key competencies.
Designed as a practical and interactive learning experience, the mentorship session will provide participants with tools and insights to strengthen leadership capacities, enhance decision-making under pressure and develop emotional intelligence and interpersonal effectiveness. The programme combines keynote reflections, breakout mentoring circles and peer exchange, allowing participants to engage directly with experienced practitioners and explore real-life leadership challenges.
The session will feature Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, as keynote speaker, sharing insights drawn from her experience in governance, political negotiation and leadership under pressure. Participants will also engage in thematic mentoring discussions on leadership decision-making, personal leadership and managing external pressures, guided by expert facilitators.
A key element of the session is its participatory methodology, including breakout mentoring circles and gender-based safe space discussions, designed to encourage open dialogue and tailored reflection on leadership challenges. Participants will conclude the session by identifying concrete leadership actions to implement in their respective contexts, contributing to sustained learning beyond the event.
Through initiatives such as this mentorship series, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support democratic development by strengthening political leadership, promoting youth participation in politics and fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation between political actors across regions.
The session is expected to enhance leadership resilience, strengthen decision-making skills and build a network of young leaders committed to inclusive, ethical and accountable leadership.

Event Details
Event: EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series – Session 1Theme: Resilient Leadership in High-Pressure EnvironmentsDate: 30 April 2026Time: 09:00 – 12:00Location: Airport View Hotel, Accra, GhanaOrganised by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana OfficeProject: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionParticipants: Emerging political leaders and WYDE participantsMain topics: Leadership resilience, decision-making under pressure, emotional intelligence, political leadership, gender dynamics and inclusive leadership

EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series - Session 2
2026-06-02 08:30 - 13:00
Session 2: Building Sustainable Leaders: Professionalism, Politics, and Personal Development
On 2 June 2026, emerging political leaders will gather in Accra, Ghana, for the second session of the EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series, focused on “Building Sustainable Leaders: Professionalism, Politics, and Personal Development.” The session is organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union.
Building on the momentum of previous WYDE training workshops and mentorship sessions, the Mentorship Breakfast Series continues to create practical and interactive spaces where young leaders can engage directly with experienced practitioners and reflect on the realities of political and professional leadership.
This second session will focus on the importance of developing sustainable leadership pathways that combine political engagement, professionalism and personal growth. As young leaders increasingly navigate transitions from student leadership into national political and professional environments, the session aims to support participants in strengthening their credibility, independence and long-term leadership capacity.
Through mentoring circles, practical exercises and peer exchange, participants will explore key topics including strategic communication, personal branding, leadership resilience and sustainable political engagement. The programme will also address the importance of financial and professional independence, ethical leadership and long-term career development as essential pillars for credible and effective political leadership.
The session will feature experienced mentors and practitioners who will guide participants through interactive discussions on navigating leadership transitions, building networks and confidence, strengthening public presence and managing leadership responsibilities in complex political environments.
A central component of the programme will be the interactive Mentorship Circles, allowing participants to rotate across thematic discussions and engage deeply with practical leadership challenges. Participants will also take part in hands-on activities such as elevator pitch exercises and collaborative leadership vision challenges designed to strengthen communication, teamwork and strategic thinking skills.
The session will further provide a safe and inclusive space for participants to openly reflect on leadership experiences, career aspirations and personal development journeys, fostering peer learning and mentorship connections among emerging leaders.
Through initiatives such as this mentorship series, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support democratic development by strengthening political leadership, promoting youth participation in politics and fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation between political actors across regions.
The session is expected to strengthen participants’ confidence, communication capacities and leadership resilience, while contributing to the development of a new generation of politically engaged leaders committed to professionalism, integrity and long-term democratic participation.

Event Details
Event: EU WYDE Mentorship Breakfast Series – Session 2
Theme: Building Sustainable Leaders: Professionalism, Politics, and Personal Development
Date: 2 June 2026
Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Location: AH Hotel, East Legon, Accra, Ghana
Organised by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office
Project: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European Union
Participants: Emerging political leaders and WYDE participants
Main topics: Sustainable leadership, professionalism, political engagement, strategic communication, personal branding and leadership resilience

WYDE Residential Training III
2026-06-25 08:30 - 2026-06-28 13:00
From Ideas to Influence: Advocacy and Policy Engagement for Emerging Leaders

From 25 to 28 June 2026, young leaders from across Ghana will gather in Koforidua for the third and final residential training of the EU WYDE programme, focused on “From Ideas to Influence: Advocacy and Policy Engagement for Emerging Leaders.” Organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, the training marks the culmination of participants’ leadership development journey.

Building on previous trainings dedicated to leadership, communication and professional development, this final residential session will focus on one of the most important dimensions of democratic participation: transforming ideas into policy influence and meaningful civic engagement. As emerging leaders seek to contribute to governance processes, understanding how public policies are shaped, debated and implemented becomes essential for driving sustainable democratic change.

The training will introduce participants to the practical tools and processes of advocacy and policy engagement, enabling them to move beyond theoretical discussions and engage directly with policy analysis, policy brief development, advocacy communication and democratic decision-making. Through expert-led sessions, group work and practical exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to identify public policy challenges, formulate evidence-based recommendations and communicate solutions effectively.

A key focus of the programme will be understanding how policy influence takes place within democratic systems. Participants will explore stakeholder mapping, coalition-building, advocacy strategies and policy communication techniques, while developing the negotiation and public engagement skills needed to advocate for change in complex political environments.

The residential training will also place a strong emphasis on practical application. Working in groups, participants will take part in a Policy Lab, where they will identify governance and development challenges, analyse policy issues and develop concrete policy recommendations. These ideas will then be transformed into policy briefs and advocacy pitches, providing participants with hands-on experience in policy development and strategic communication.

The highlight of the programme will be a Parliamentary Simulation, designed to immerse participants in the realities of democratic debate and decision-making. Acting within a simulated parliamentary setting, participants will present, defend and negotiate their policy proposals, experience coalition-building processes and engage in parliamentary voting procedures. The exercise will demonstrate how policy ideas evolve through debate, compromise and consensus-building, offering a practical understanding of democratic governance in action.

As the final residential training of the programme, the session represents an important milestone in participants’ leadership journey. By combining advocacy, policy development and democratic practice, it seeks to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to public policy processes and democratic governance in Ghana.

Event Details

Event: WYDE Residential Training III
Theme: From Ideas to Influence: Advocacy and Policy Engagement for Emerging Leaders
Date: 25–28 June 2026
Training Sessions: 26–27 June 2026
Location: Abram Hills Hotel, Koforidua, Eastern Region, Ghana
Organised by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office
Project: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European Union
Participants: Emerging political leaders and WYDE participants
Main topics: Advocacy, policy engagement, policy analysis, policy brief writing, coalition-building, democratic decision-making and parliamentary processes.

Seminar on Legal and Policy Frameworks
2026-07-29 08:30 - 2026-07-30 17:00
Strengthening the Political Participation of Women and Youth in Côte d’Ivoire

On 29–30 July 2026, parliamentarians, institutional representatives, civil society organisations and experts will gather in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the seminar “Strengthening the Political Participation of Women and Youth in Côte d’Ivoire: Legal and Policy Frameworks.” Organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, the event marks the official launch of a new national initiative to advance the political participation of women and young people.
Women and youth play a vital role in strengthening democratic governance and building more inclusive political systems. While Côte d’Ivoire has made important progress through legislative reforms and political commitments aimed at increasing their representation, challenges remain regarding the effective implementation of existing legal frameworks, equitable representation in decision-making bodies and the integration of women’s and young people’s priorities into public policy. In this context, parliament has a crucial role to play in advancing legislative reforms, exercising oversight and promoting inclusive democratic governance.
The two-day seminar will provide a platform for dialogue between parliamentarians, government institutions, civil society organisations and technical experts to examine the current legal and policy framework governing political participation in Côte d’Ivoire. Through panel discussions, expert presentations and interactive exchanges, participants will explore the institutional, political and socio-cultural barriers that continue to limit the participation of women and young people, while identifying opportunities for reform and inclusive policymaking.
The programme will also showcase comparative experiences and good practices from Côte d’Ivoire and beyond, encouraging participants to reflect on legislative priorities, parliamentary oversight and advocacy strategies that can strengthen inclusive political participation. A particular focus will be placed on fostering collaboration among parliamentarians committed to championing reforms that create more equitable opportunities for women and youth to participate in political life.
Beyond providing a space for knowledge exchange, the seminar aims to lay the foundations for a parliamentary network that will accompany the implementation of the WYDE Political Parties project in Côte d’Ivoire. By bringing together key political and institutional actors at the outset of the initiative, the event seeks to establish shared priorities and a roadmap for future legislative and policy engagement.
Through initiatives such as this, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support democratic development by strengthening political institutions, promoting the political participation of women and youth, and fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation among political actors across regions.
Event Details
Event: Seminar on Strengthening the Political Participation of Women and Youth in Côte d’Ivoire: Legal and Policy FrameworksTheme: Political Participation of Women and Youth in Côte d’Ivoire: Challenges and PerspectivesDates: 29–30 July 2026Location: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Office, Abidjan, Côte d’IvoireOrganised by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) – Political Dialogue West AfricaProject: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionParticipants: Members of Parliament, senators, representatives of public institutions, civil society organisations, youth and women’s organisations, and experts in democratic governanceMain topics: Legal and policy frameworks, inclusive political participation, parliamentary engagement, legislative reform, youth participation, women’s political representation and democratic governance.

WYDE Closing Workshop Marks the Culmination of the Programme in Ghana
2026-08-06 08:30 - 12:30
Celebrating Leadership and Looking Ahead

On 6 August 2026, participants, mentors, facilitators, institutional partners and representatives of the European Union will gather in Accra, Ghana, for the EU WYDE Closing Workshop: “Celebrating and Shaping the Future of Democratic Participation.” Organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana Office within the framework of the WYDE Political Parties project, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, the event will celebrate the achievements of a new generation of emerging political leaders while reflecting on the programme’s impact and future legacy.
Over the past months, participants have taken part in a comprehensive leadership journey combining three residential trainings and three mentorship breakfast sessions. Throughout the programme, they have strengthened their capacities in democratic leadership, advocacy, policy engagement, communication, professionalism and cross-party dialogue, while building lasting relationships with experienced political leaders, academics and governance practitioners.
The Closing Workshop will provide an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and recognise the commitment of everyone who contributed to the programme’s success. Participants will reflect on their personal and professional development, share lessons learned throughout their six-month journey and discuss how they intend to apply their knowledge and skills to strengthen democratic participation within their communities and institutions.
The programme will feature remarks from representatives of the European Union Delegation, ENoP and KAS Ghana, alongside a documentary presentation highlighting the WYDE journey and a panel discussion entitled “From Agency to Action: Young Leaders Shaping the Future of Democracy,” where graduates will reflect on their experiences and aspirations as emerging leaders. The ceremony will also include the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the programme, recognition of outstanding participants and tributes to the facilitators and mentors whose guidance has been instrumental throughout the project.
Beyond marking the conclusion of the programme in Ghana, the event also looks ahead. It celebrates not only what participants have accomplished over the past months, but also the role they are expected to play as advocates for inclusive political participation and democratic governance in the years to come. By strengthening their leadership capacities and expanding their professional networks, the programme seeks to create lasting impact well beyond the duration of the project.
Through initiatives such as this, the WYDE Political Parties project continues to support democratic development by strengthening political leadership, promoting youth participation in politics and fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange and cooperation between political actors across regions.
Event Details
Event: EU WYDE Closing WorkshopTheme: Celebrating and Shaping the Future of Democratic ParticipationDate: 6 August 2026Time: 08:30 – 12:10Location: Fiesta Royale Hotel, Accra, GhanaOrganised by: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ghana OfficeProject: WYDE Political Parties – funded by the European UnionParticipants: WYDE graduates, representatives of the European Union Delegation, ENoP, KAS Ghana, facilitators, mentors and project partnersMain highlights: Participant reflections, documentary presentation, graduates panel discussion, graduation ceremony, certificates and awards, recognition of mentors and facilitators, networking.

Listening to Grassroots Leadership: WYDE Initiative at International Democracy Day Brussels 2026
2026-09-17 16:00 - 17:00
On 17 September, the WYDE Initiative will take part in the 12th edition of the International Democracy Day Brussels Conference, contributing a joint session that brings together perspectives from across the WYDE programme.
Hosted within one of Europe’s leading annual forums on democracy, the session, “WYDE Initiative: Rethinking Leadership from the Ground Up,” will feature representatives from WYDE Women Leadership, WYDE Civic Engagement and WYDE Political Parties. Together, they will explore how grassroots actors are reshaping political participation, leadership and democratic engagement across different regions and contexts.
This year’s International Democracy Day Brussels conference asks a timely question: What’s Next for Democracy? Rather than offering predefined answers, the conference creates space to reflect on how democracy support can adapt to a rapidly changing political landscape. Within this broader conversation, the WYDE Initiative contributes a perspective grounded in lived experience and local leadership.
Across the world, women, young people and community leaders continue to develop new forms of participation, representation and collective action. Yet the realities they face often evolve faster than traditional democracy support mechanisms. The WYDE session creates an opportunity to listen directly to these experiences and reflect on what international partners, policymakers and democracy practitioners can learn from them.
Rather than showcasing projects or presenting institutional achievements, the discussion is designed as a listening exercise. Participants will explore how emerging forms of leadership challenge conventional assumptions about political participation, while highlighting the importance of adapting democracy support to changing realities on the ground.
The panel will bring together:

Tosin Ajayi, Executive Director of Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV), representing WYDE Women Leadership;
Camila Moreno Gil, representing WYDE Civic Engagement;
Emmy Otim, Regional Manager for East Africa at KIC Sweden and CEO of Distinct Leadership Consults, representing WYDE Political Parties.

The discussion will be moderated by Chiara Grigolo, Associate Programme Officer at International IDEA.
By bringing together three complementary WYDE components in a single conversation, the session reflects the value of collaboration across programmes working to strengthen democratic participation, inclusion and leadership. While each initiative approaches these objectives from a different perspective, the discussion highlights the importance of learning across sectors and recognising grassroots actors not simply as beneficiaries of democracy support, but as partners whose experience can help shape its future.
As democratic contexts continue to evolve, the WYDE Initiative remains committed to creating spaces where local voices, practical experience and collaborative learning inform broader conversations on democracy, participation and inclusive leadership.

Event Details
Event: WYDE Initiative: Rethinking Leadership from the Ground Up
Part of: International Democracy Day Brussels Conference 2026
Conference Theme: What’s Next for Democracy? Innovation and Alliances in a Changing World
Date: 17 September 2026
Location: European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Brussels, Belgium
Organised by: International IDEA, European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP), European Endowment for Democracy (EED) and Carnegie Europe
WYDE Initiative Session Partners: WYDE Women Leadership, WYDE Civic Engagement and WYDE Political Parties
Moderator: Chiara Grigolo, Associate Programme Officer, International IDEA
Speakers:

Tosin Ajayi – Executive Director, Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV), Nigeria (WYDE Women Leadership)
Camila Moreno Gil – Colombia (WYDE Civic Engagement)
Emmy Otim – Regional Manager for East Africa, KIC Sweden & CEO, Distinct Leadership Consults, Uganda (WYDE Political Parties)
