(Strasbourg, 18 December 2014)
The World Forum for Democracy 2014 has been anything but a one-stop event for the 217 young participants coming from all over the world. Using their closed Facebook group as a platform they continue to actively communicate with each other and discuss the latest developments related to democracy and human rights at their localities. They exchange ideas and motivate one another to keep being proactive actors of civil society and responsible citizens.
This is the same platform that they used to express their impression to the WFD 2104 experience:
“Hi guys! I am impressed by you and by that week that we spent together. The participation on the conference has strengthened my faith in democracy and cultural diversity which I would like to promote in my environment” László Szerencsés, Hungary
“Hello guys, you're such an amazing team. One man said, "if you want to go far, go alone but if you want to have a meaningful journey go with someone, I am going to keep you always in my heart so that we move together.” Dennis David, Uganda
“My most amazing fellows for all times, I feel how much World Forum for Democracy 2014 has changed me for the better, how much I've learned from You, how many new (things) I've opened for myself cause You'd showed. Yuliia Mativienko, Ukraine
“I completely had an amazing time with you guys. Definitely you are all unique, wonderful and special. Looking forward to keep in touch and work again together in the future” Marsida Bandilli, Albania
In addition to the mainstream news coverage of the World Forum for Democracy 2014, several participants shared their personal experience from the event with their local media. Some of them even prepared actions during the Forum related to local causes for that purpose. Like Monika Khangenbam from India who created an endorsement campaign, on the spot, with the help of several participants, on the struggle against Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and discrimination in Manipur, India.
Gianfranco Guerra Padilla prepared an article for the newspaper of his University Escuela de Relaciones Internacionales y Gobierno – UTP, Lima, Peru, to describe the experience, characterising the event as a “unique experience that marked him for a lifetime as a student and as a person”.
For their experience and contribution to the Forum, Kenan Hadzihasanovic and Haris Selmanovic students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, were interviewed by a local TV station (RTV7) while an article was written at a local news portal.
Several of the young participants reported back to their organisations about their experience at the Forum. Firas Torkhani coming from the Plan BE organisation in Tunisia, an innovative concept organising debates, wrote an article going through the entire process, from the recruitment and the 3-month online preparation phase, till the days of the WFD itself and explains the added value for his life.
Moses Machipisa representing the organisation Global Leaders Network from Harare, Zimbabwe, a youth-led initiative about development, leadership and community engagement, gave his perspective on how he envisages his experience of working together in harmony and tolerance for democracy, with so many different people, for the future of African politics.
Finally, Angelos Parmatzias from Citizens in Power organisation in Nicosia, Cyprus prepared a report for his organisation where he admits that even though after being involved in democratic dialogues he ended-up having more questions than answers, he nevertheless felt strongly that young people have the strength to revitalise democracy.