Your Excellencies, representatives of International IDEA’s Member States, distinguished guests, dear friends:
Good afternoon and welcome to this gathering, which is a celebration of the longstanding and recently renewed partnership between International IDEA and South Africa.
In this Thank You Democracy podcast episode, Kyra Buchko, co-executive director of PartnersGlobal, reflects on what democratic renewal looks like across the Americas amid polarization, disinformation, and institutional strain.
Season 4, Episode 2 of the Thank You Democracy podcast explores democracy in Southern Africa through Cynthia’s insights on youth engagement, institutional trust, and political participation. She highlights both the barriers young people face and the importance of civic space, youth leadership, and trust in driving democratic renewal.
The Thank You Democracy Podcast is brought to you by the Global Democracy Coalition.
Excelentísima Señora Secretaria General del Foro Parlamentario de la SADC, Honorables Miembros del Comité Permanente, distinguido personal del Foro Parlamentario de la SADC, estimados colegas y amigos:
En nombre de International IDEA, es un gran honor acompañarlos en esta Sesión del Comité Permanente de la 59.ª Asamblea Plenaria del Foro Parlamentario de la SADC, convocada bajo el lema «Fortalecimiento de la promoción parlamentaria para la incorporación y aplicación efectivas de los Protocolos de la SADC para una gobernanza democrática e inclusiva».
Your Excellency Madam Secretary-General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Honourable Members of the Standing Committee, distinguished SADC Parliamentary Forum staff, dear colleagues and friends:
On behalf of International IDEA, it is a great honour to join you at this Standing Committee Session for the 59th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, convened under the theme of Enhancing Parliamentary Advocacy for the Effective Domestication and Implementation of SADC Protocols for Democratic and Inclusive Governance.
International IDEA Secretary-General Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora discusses Capital Radio (a Spanish-language podcast) how supporting global democracy is not about defending the status quo but promoting democratic reforms and renewal. Listen to the episode, 'La Entrevista de El Balance' on Capital Radio site.
Thank you, and good morning. Let me begin by congratulating this Congress on its 50th session. It is a special honour to address representatives of Europe’s local and regional governments on such an important occasion.
Hello, and welcome from me also to this event—and for those of you joining in person, welcome to International IDEA’s Headquarters in Stockholm.
