Event Report: Young Democracy Union of Africa (YDUA) Forum 2026

The Forum was officially opened on the 1st of July by H.E. Amb. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the President of the Republic of Liberia who underscored the significance, the host government attaches to youth political initiatives, participation and leadership highlighting the President’s commitment to supporting the YDUA Forum and safeguarding the principles of democracy. The President stated that the Forum comes at a time when young people are demanding greater participation in governance because of the rapid political, economic and technological changes. He emphasized that,

“Democracy flourishes when young people participate responsibly in shaping the future of their country… Democracy is an integral part of people-centred development.”

As part of the programme, the YDUA delegation was also hosted by H.E. Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia and Africa’s first democratically elected female president and recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for her contributions in advancing the role of women in peace processes. The engagement offered delegates a rare and emotional opportunity to draw on her vast experience and insights on the democratic history of Liberia, the participation of women in politics and the potential for youth leadership on the continent. The delegates were moved by her words,

"The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”

As part of YDUA's strategic commitment to strengthening its engagement with and integration into international democratic networks, Mr. Joy Reuben, Secretary General of the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA), and Ms. Eva Dohaľová of the International Young Democracy Union (IYDU) participated in the Forum. Their participation emphasized the importance of the Forum as a valuable platform for fostering cross-regional dialogue, strengthening democratic cooperation, and promoting the exchange of ideas and best practices among democratic actors as well as Centre-right political parties in Africa.

Across its sessions, the Forum examined the challenges and opportunities facing young leaders in the digital age, with particular focus on youth political participation, strategies for involving young people meaningfully in political leadership, pan-African youth solidarity and the building of cross-border democratic alliances, strengthening digital democracy and countering authoritarianism.

Also important was the visit of the YDUA Delegation to the Presidential Mansion, the Parliament of Liberia, and the National Museum where the history of the country was unpacked including insights on the presidential, legislative, cultural and democratic heritage of the country.

The 2026 YDUA Forum reaffirmed the central role that young leaders have to play in shaping Africa’s democratic and technological future. The breadth of political, institutional and international participation of YDUA member parties from across Africa, particularly engagements with Liberia’s sitting and former Heads of State as well as the invitation and participation of youth from opposition political parties from Liberia highlights a strong continental commitment to empowering youth-led democracy as a driver of resilience and innovation across Africa. The Forum's outcomes are expected to inform continued collaboration among YDUA member parties across the continent as well as between YDUA, its parent organisation DUA and partners such as KAS and IYDU in advancing these priorities.

KAS recognises the strong support of the Unity Party and the Liberian government in ensuring the delivery of a successful 2026 YDUA forum and we are particularly grateful for the participation of several senior Unity Party and government officials who delivered special remarks on the programme from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, Ministry for Research, Policy and Planning, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, among others.