Are you ready to meet the future of democracy? Introducing the finalists of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2024, recognising exceptional leadership shown by young activists in defending, renewing and promoting democracy.
Anton Eremin
Anton’s unwavering dedication to promoting democratic values in Russia is truly inspiring. Anton’s efforts have had a significant impact, from starting a blog to expose corruption to organising peaceful protests and creating support systems for political dissidents.
Archana Vijai Kumar
Archana has led groundbreaking work in leveraging technology to empower youth and bridge geographical divides. From organising virtual summits to combatting online disinformation to advocating for youth participation in governance, her efforts have fostered global collaboration and inspired democratic engagement.
Christopher Wleh Sivili
Christopher’s unwavering dedication to democracy, social justice, and peace in Liberia is inspiring. Despite facing threats, harassment, and imprisonment, his relentless advocacy has empowered countless youth and challenged systemic corruption.
Margo Vorykhava
Margo tirelessly amplifies the voices of exiled youth, advocates for political prisoners, and drives policy changes for young Belarusians. Her impactful work on international stages ensures that their stories are heard and their rights protected.
Luis Villatoro Villaherrera
Luis has made remarkable efforts to promote and defend transparency in civic relations, from creating the first web application in Latin America to use open data to expose corruption to launching the Democratic Bootcamp, which has educated over 6,000 Salvadorans about democracy.
Nisreen Abdelrahman Hassan Elsaim
Nisreen’s impact is profound, from leading peaceful protests to empowering youth and raising environmental awareness. Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, she is actively involved in civilian-led peace initiatives, building community and leading efforts to support internally displaced persons and Sudanese refugees.
Omar van Reenen
Omar has spearheaded transformative initiatives for LGBTQI+ rights in Namibia, driving crucial policy changes and fostering acceptance, even as these rights face significant opposition. From drafting protective legislation to campaigning for abortion law reform, Omar tirelessly advocates for a more inclusive democracy.
Shila Bhatta
Combining art, media, and technology, Shila amplifies marginalized voices in Nepal. Her dedication empowers Nepalese youth, fostering creative expression and democratic values. As an activist, Shila’s public health, digital rights, and social justice work strengthens communities and opens minds.
About the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize
Launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation (DCF), the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 and presented each year at the Athens Democracy Forum. The award recognises exceptional leadership, and its aim is to inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy. An independent judging panel reviews the applications and selects the award recipient.
