Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders

A nonpartisan network equipping emerging leaders across policy, civil society, and governance with tools, knowledge and connections.
Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders
Why YDN?
Across regions, young leaders are increasingly active in public life - working in government institutions, civil society, media, and local communities.
Yet many lack access to training and professional networks, limiting their impact and preventing their perspectives from being connected to decision-making processes.The Youth Democracy Network responds to this gap by providing practical leadership development, regional cooperation, and exposure to international policy environments.
Our values
Our Values
Promote effective leadership and good governance.
Strengthen cooperation across regions.
Encourage open dialogue and transparency.
Support institutional resilience.
Respond to external influence.
Who Is a YDN Member?

A YDN member is a young leader aged 18-32 active in public life

Members include:
Elected local and national officials
Policy advisors and government staff
Civil society professionals and program managers
Researchers and academics
Journalists and media professionals
Legal and policy experts
Community leaders
What Members Receive
Access to regional and global leadership workshops
Participation in the Cornell University certificate program
Opportunities for global visibility and exchange
Space to collaborate with peers across 20+ countries
Monthly expert sessions with global democracy leaders
A space to collaborate with peers across 80+ countries
Geographic Focus
Latin America & the Caribbean
MENA
Sub-Saharan Africa
Asia-Pacific
Central & Eastern Europe
Program Highlights

Regional meetings

Panama
Panama
23 members selected from
600 + applications.
Japan
Japan
22 members selected from
1,400 + applications.
France
France
27 members selected from
400 + applications.
Kenya
Kenya
24 members selected from
800 + applications.
Cornell University
Certificate Program
12-module professional training covering leadership, policy, media literacy, civic skills, and democratic dialogue.
Monthly Ask
the Expert Call
Conversations with global democracy leaders (e.g., UN Special Rapporteur).
Our podcast
 
Behind-the-scenes leadership stories of changemakers.