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WYMD Election Results

Congratulations to the new members of the World Youth Movement for Democracy Leadership Board. The Leadership Board will be responsible for driving the Youth Movement forward over a two year term. Elections were held online from June 23-29, 2010.

Click here to see the Poll results.

Your new WYMD Leadership Board

Africa
Alex Fotoh, Cameroon
Chiedza Gadzirayi, Zimbabwe

Asia
Deewai Mabunga Rodriguez
Niwa Dwitama

Europe/Eurasia
Daria Taradai, Ukraine
Pedro Silverio, Spain

Latin America & the Caribbean
Sara Iris Garcia, Guatemala
Sixto Martínez, Venezuela

Middle East & North Africa
Rami Shamma, Lebanon
AA, Egypt/UAE

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Congratulations to Global Essay Contest Winners Ismail Alexandrani and Daria Taradai!

Two global winners of the Youth Essay Contest were announced during the John B. Hurford Memorial Dinner held at the closing night of the World Movement for Democracy Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia. Robert Miller of the Hurford Foundation announced winners Ismail Alexandrani of Egypt and Daria Taradai of Ukraine and invited them to come on stage to say a few words. Both shared the following statements:

"Dear Democracy believers,

Despite I couldn't attend the assembly, I was pleased and so proud of having the opportunity to make my thoughts heard. I'm from Egypt, the MENA region, and I wrote the only Arabic essay in the contest which has globally won. That's made me think twice; is it the human global ideas which never are limited by region, language, race or any kind of boundaries? Or that means deprivation and oppression force people to be creative enough to catch the unique achievements?!

Actually, if the second possibility is right, I am eager for the day when the Egyptian theoretical creativity concerning democracy becomes meager enough to lose :)

I'm writing these words to you while Egypt is in a very critical historical period both socially and politically. Even if we are different  culturally, ideologically and personally, our common ground is still our deep belief in democracy. So I am asking you for your kind prayers, honest wishes and solidarity.

Last but not least, I should express my honor and happiness especially since I have read the other essays and virtually shared my colleagues their thought.

Sincerely,
Ismail Alexandrani" ___________________________________________________

"Dear Friends!

This award is a great honor for me, and I appreciate it very much. I am happy that I could visit Indonesia and participate in the Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy where I met so many interesting and professional people. I also had a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the Indonesian culture and gain insight into the life of this Asian country.

I was delightfully surprised by the huge number of people from all over the world who are fighting for a more democratic world. Now I am confident that a bright and just future is waiting for us because I saw people who truly care about it. They are intelligent, persistent, and they believe strongly in what they are doing. I hope that my country, Ukraine, will find its place in this democratic world.

I was also very impressed by other essay contest winners who are so young but so experienced and active. I am sure that such people can change our world!

Thank you again for a great chance to meet all these people, and I hope this is only the start of our fruitful cooperation!

Sincerely yours,
Daria Taradai (Ukraine)"

Who are we?

The World Youth Movement for Democracy (WYMD) is a global community of youth and their allies working non-violently for democracy. It was founded by a group of young people, like you, who believe in and work for fair elections, free speech, and human rights. They believe we can be stronger by working together.

The WYMD belongs to its participants and is open to anyone committed to the principles and goals of the movement.

The WYMD is a meeting space for the free exchange of ideas. It is a network that links like-minded youth with each other, with resources, and with opportunities. It is a community whose members work together and support each other in solidarity.

Learn more...

So what do we mean by "Democracy"?

For the full answer to that question, read the founding statement of the World Movement for Democracy, from which the Youth Movement emerged.

By definition democracy means participation of the people in decision-making.

In short, the Movement believes that no one culture has a monopoly on democratic values, that the desire for freedom is universal, and that nothing can justify the violation of human rights. Its members believe in building democratic structures where they don't exist and strengthening them where they do.

The Movement is not about holding up one model of democracy as THE path for every country, but rather about promoting certain values in all societies, including human rights, the rule of law, a strong civil society, autonomous media, the empowerment of all citizens, government transparency, and civilian control of the military. More...

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