08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
As recent elections in Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cote d’Ivoire show, elections are a necessary, but not the only, condition for democracy. Days before the upcoming elections in Zimbabwe, this conference brought together civil society activists, and political analysts, along with representatives from the U.S. government and NGOs, to focus on strengthening democracy in Zimbabwe.
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM
The Endowment honored three outstanding young people who are working in extraordinarily challenging environments to create a democratic future in their respective countries. NED also made a posthumous award to a fourth young democrat whose life was cut short in the midst of his struggle.
12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
In her presentation Ms. Nadira Eshmatova focused on the challenges facing youth in Kyrgyzstan, as well as on how the country’s ongoing socio-political transition is shaping opportunities for youth activism. She suggested ways in which organizations working with youth can ensure that young people are actively involved in the reconciliation and democracy building processes in Kyrgyzstan. Ms. Eshmatova concluded by suggesting strategies to better engage Kyrgyz and Uzbek youth, especially in the south of Kyrgyzstan. Her presentation was followed by comments from Ms. Maria Lisitsyna.
