Democracy IDEAs

Young people are engaging with democracy in different ways, from elections and protest movements to grassroots organising, digital spaces and demands for accountability. On the sidelines of the recent 'Reimagining Democracy' workshop in Kathmandu, Senior Programme Manager Adhy Aman sat down with Tashi Lhazom from Nepal and Alans Ademba from Kenya to discuss how young people are engaging with democracy today.

In this podcast, they move beyond elections and institutions to explore what meaningful democratic participation looks like for a generation shaped by lived experience, civic frustration and new forms of mobilisation. Tashi and Alans reflect on why many young people are turning to movements and informal networks, whether traditional political systems are keeping pace, and how technology is both opening and complicating democratic spaces.

Drawing on their experiences, they discuss the importance of participation, active citizenship and critical questioning. They also look ahead at what needs to change for democracies to become more responsive, inclusive and accountable to the next generation.

At the heart of the conversation is the importance of questioning, participation and active citizenship. As Tashi Lhazom says: “The stronger the critical questions are, the stronger democracy will be.”

Guest: Tashi Lhazom from Nepal and Alans Ademba from Kenya
Hosts: Adhy Aman
Background Reading: 
Reimagining Democracy: From backsliding to resilience in Asia and Africa

In this episode of Democracy IDEAs, Gavin Charles, Speechwriter and Governance Officer at International IDEA, sits down with Therese Pearce Laanela, the Head of Electoral Processes at International IDEA, to discuss her new book, Trustworthy Elections: The Role of Electoral Management Bodies. Drawing on nearly 35 years of experience supporting elections around the world, she reflects on why trust remains fundamental to democratic legitimacy and resilience.

The discussion explores trust as a fundamental aspect of "Renewing Democracy," which is also the 2026 advocacy theme for the Institute.  Learn more by visiting www.idea.int.

In this episode of Democracy IDEAs, Amanda Sourek sits down with Ambassador Lauri Voionmaa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations for a timely conversation on the role of democracy in today’s multilateral system. As global tensions challenge the foundations of international cooperation, Ambassador Voionmaa shares Finland’s perspective on defending democratic values at the United Nations, advancing peace and security, and navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The discussion also explores Finland’s priorities, including its upcoming United Nations Security Council campaign, and what principled yet pragmatic diplomacy looks like in practice.

In this episode of Democracy IDEAs, Amanda Sourek speaks with Ambassador Maritza Chan, Costa Rica’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and a leading voice on gender equality, disarmament, and AI governance. 
Ambassador Chan reflects on her historic leadership roles, Costa Rica’s principled multilateral engagement, and the future of Women, Peace and Security in the digital era. 
From advancing consensus on AI governance to championing prevention and women peacebuilders, this conversation explores how small states shape global agendas—and why democracy, human rights, and gender equality remain essential to building a more just international order.

In this episode, Sharon Pia Hickey Programme Officer at International IDEA’s Constitution-Building and Climate Change and Democracy programmes speaks with Thai lawyer Sor Rattanamanee Polkla, Executive Coordinator, and Co-Founder of Community Resources Centre Foundation about the landscape of climate and environmental litigation in Thailand. 
Drawing on her experience with cases focusing on extractive industries, development projects, and public interest law, Sor tracks her path from realising the importance of protest and shares a message for climate lawyers across the region.
Background reading: Let the courts decide? The Potential and Limitations of Climate Litigation from a Democracy Perspective