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On 16 September 2026, Marie-Léopoldine Tossou, a member of the WYDE Youth Advisory Board (YAB) from Côte d’Ivoire, visited Brussels for a series of institutional exchanges and networking activities focused on democratic governance, youth political participation and international cooperation.

The visit, organised within the framework of WYDE Political Parties, led by the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP) and funded by the European Union, coincided with activities marking the International Day of Democracy and offered an opportunity to connect African and European perspectives on democratic leadership.

The programme included a meeting with the Fondation Friedrich Naumann pour la liberté (FNF), where Marie-Léopoldine explored the role of political foundations in democratic dialogue and policy advocacy. She also visited the European Parliament and met with LIMEC Belgium to exchange experiences on youth and women’s political participation, leadership development and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to influence political decision-making.

Another highlight was her participation in the Brussels launch of International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report 2026, “Democracy in an Age of Conflict”, which examined growing pressures on democratic institutions, the rule of law and civic freedoms worldwide.

A particularly valuable exchange took place with John Cox Lorionokou, Registrar of Political Parties in Kenya, focusing on political party regulation, internal democracy and institutional transparency. The meeting also highlighted opportunities for peer learning between African countries and the importance of strengthening youth participation within political party structures.

The visit concluded with participation in Democracy Drinks, bringing together diplomats, civil society representatives and democracy practitioners for informal exchanges and networking.

Beyond the individual meetings, the mission highlighted the importance of connecting young African political leaders with international networks and institutional experiences. It also demonstrated the role of the WYDE Youth Advisory Board in creating opportunities for emerging leaders to exchange perspectives, build relationships and contribute to discussions on more inclusive democratic governance. Through initiatives such as this, WYDE Political Parties continues to support youth leadership, cross-regional cooperation and meaningful political participation.

Mission Detail

Participant: Marie-Léopoldine Tossou – WYDE Youth Advisory Board, Côte d’Ivoire
Date: 16 September 2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Framework: WYDE Youth Advisory Board – WYDE Political Parties
Project: Led by ENoP and funded by the European Union
Key engagements: FNF, LIMEC Belgium, International IDEA’s Global State of Democracy Report launch, ORPP Kenya and Democracy Drinks
Main topics: Youth political leadership, democratic governance, political party regulation and international cooperation.

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