The final episode of this season of the Thank You Democracy Podcast comes to you from the key implementers of the #ThankYouDemocracy campaign: Elisenda Balleste, the Coordinator of the GDC, Laura Flores, the Outreach and Governance Officer at Club De Madrid, Nestor Baez, the Communications Officer at Club De Madrid, and Nicki Kalfas, Research Assistant at the GDC. They convened to share inside stories and comments about the process and development of this campaign. This episode covers why Club De Madrid wanted to join the campaign, how our expectations evolved along the way, why collaboration has been so vital, advice for new democracy advocates, ideas for new ways the campaign could evolve, and each of our favourite moments or aspects of the campaign.

To learn more about the behind-the-scenes of this campaign, share a laugh with us, and be inspired by the events of the past several months, tune in now!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Ambassador H.E. Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations under the democratically elected government, to discuss what it has been like to serve as an ambassador during such a turbulent period in Myanmar’s history, his commitment to democracy and human rights at the UN, his decision to speak out against the military coup at the UN General Assembly in February 2021, the challenges he has faced in ensuring the voices of Myanmar’s people are heard on the global stage, and more.

Ambassador H.E. Kyaw Moe Tun has previously served as Myanmar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, as well as the Conference on Disarmament, from July 2018 to October 2020. He concurrently served as Ambassador to Switzerland, as well as Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

To learn more about the Ambassador’s journey, and to hear his motivating perspective, listen to this episode.

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Silvia Alvarenga, a student of International Relations, General Coordinator at the Feliciano Martínez Foundation, National Coordinator at Cultura Democrática and Representative of Juventud LAC. During this episode, she discusses the biggest challenges young people face when trying to engage in political processes and democratic movements, both in Paraguay and across Latin America, some of the most rewarding initiatives or projects she has been involved in that have advanced the cause of youth participation in democracy, the challenges with the recent passage of the #LeyGarrote, and more.

To learn more about Silvia’s journey into international relations and democracy, the obstacles she has faced, and to hear her inspiring perspective, listen to this episode.

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Jorge Jraissati, President of our Coalition Partner Economic Inclusion Group, to discuss his professional journey, his decision to focus on the intersection of economic opportunity, financial inclusion, and democracy, the impact anti-money laundering laws and counterterrorism financing regulations have on people’s lives, why it is essential to include young voices in economic policymaking, and more.

Jorge, while only 28, brings an experienced background as a researcher at IESE Business School, an economic and policy consultant, and is known for his work advocating in G7 countries for financial reforms to guarantee a “Right to Banking” for immigrants and human rights defenders. Jorge is also an influential voice in his home country, Venezuela, pushing for greater political and economic freedoms.

To learn more about Jorge, his journey, and to hear his incredibly unique perspective, listen to this episode.

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, we sat down with two members of Club De Madrid’s #WYDE Global Network of Young Decision Makers network, Jokate Mwegelo, the Secretary General of CCM’s Youth Wing in Tanzania, and Elena Motta, a member of congress in Guatemala. During this episode, they discuss their decisions to run for political positions, how political violence impacts the participation of women in politics, institutional and societal steps needed to protect women in politics, their advice, and more.

Jokate Mwegelo previously served as the District Commissioner for Kisarawe, where she led initiatives to enhance education and infrastructure, is the founder of Kidoti Company and was recognized on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” list for her contributions to youth and women’s empowerment.

Elena Motta is known for her work in legislative reforms and social initiatives. Prior to her role in Congress, she was an advocate for community development and played a key part in promoting educational and economic programs to support marginalized communities.

Learn more about their incredible perspectives and inspiring journey’s in this episode.

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Susana Malcorra, the President and cofounders of GWL Voices for Change and Inclusion, to discuss the different paths her career has taken, her candidacy for UN Secretary General, how her organization champions female candidates for global roles, democratic backsliding, and more.

Susana brings vast experience and insight as a seasoned diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, and a former United Nations Chief of Staff to Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. For more on Susana’s unique perspective and inspiring journey, listen in to this episode!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, to discuss why the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are fundamental to a thriving democracy, some global trends that are particularly alarming, how young people are shaping the current and future landscape of these rights, current gaps in educational efforts, and more.

Gina brings vast experience and insight as the co-founder and former Executive Director of the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Democracy, one of our coalition partners, and the Leading/Senior Researcher for the Youth Violence Assessment in Colombia for Democracy International. For more on Gina’s unique perspective and inspiring journey, listen in to this episode!

In this episode of the Thank You Democracy Podcast, the Global Democracy Coalition sat down with Dr. Kevin Casas Zamora, Secretary General of International IDEA, to discuss his path in public service, the advice he would give to his younger self, effective ways to increase youth engagement in today’s political processes, and his personal story as to why he has dedicated most of his life to promoting and protecting democracy.

Kevin brings vast experience and insight as the former Vice President of Costa Rica, a distinguished political scientist, and a globally recognized advocate for democratic governance. For more on Kevin’s unique perspective and personal stories, listen in to this episode!