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Democracy and Political Management: Training of Young Leaders*
Efforts to strengthen democracy in the hemisphere have shown that it is
crucial to promote a democratic culture in order to strengthen democratic
institutions, values and practices. In spite of the consolidation of
democracy during the last two decades, these democratic values and practices
have not yet fully taken root. Exercising democracy as a way of life
involves a complex and long-term learning process. Therefore, strengthening
a democratic culture requires the ongoing education – both formal and
non-formal – of values and practices such as tolerance, liberty, justice,
respect, negotiation, and solidarity.
The Inter-American Democratic Charter, the mandates of the Summits of the
Americas, and other Inter-American instruments emphasize the importance of
training programs geared toward the promotion of democratic values and
practices to foster a democratic culture in the hemisphere. In this regard,
it is important to stimulate and promote these values and practices in order
to awaken and nurture the interest, commitment, and participatory spirit of
the new generation of leaders from various sectors of society in the
democratic process. This promotion of democratic values and practices should
go hand in hand with the development of political management skills to
facilitate the effective exercise of democratic leadership.
Considering that approximately 54 percent of the region’s population is
younger than 25 years of age (according to Inter-American Development Bank
statistics), it is clear that training young leaders is a fundamental
building block for democratic development. The quality and sustainability of
democracy depends to a great extent on the democratic values and practices
exercised by its citizens, particularly the younger generation. Many
institutions from different sectors of society, including political parties,
media, civil society and academic institutions, are undertaking a gamut of
initiatives to train young leaders in democratic values and practices, as
well as in modern techniques of political management. Training opportunities
in this field include regional and national programs directed to young
leaders from sectors such as political parties, media, civil society, and
academic institutions. The primary objective of these activities is to
facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, values and practices that allow
young people to become multipliers of a democratic culture through their
leadership and action.
We know that education is a vehicle for progress and development. Today,
more than ever, the strengthening of democracy is only guaranteed by the
promotion of a democratic culture through education. Education for democracy
should go beyond conventional terms. It must include ongoing training that
allows people to become better citizens and leaders capable of meeting
dynamic political and social challenges. This training generates new ideas
and views towards strengthening democracy.?
Pablo Zúñiga
Senior Specialist
PROLIDEM Coordinator
Unit for the Promotion of Democracy
*The ideas, thoughts, and opinions expressed are not necessarily of the OAS nor of its member states. The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors.
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