Empowering the Next Generation in Europe and Eurasia

• Brock Bierman, Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, U.S. Agency for International Development
• Karen Donfried, President, The German Marshall Fund of the United States
• Derek Mitchell, President, National Democratic Institute
• Daniel Twining, President, International Republican Institute
• Viktoryia Andrukovich, Member, EDYN Belarus
• Aleksander Hamerski, Ambassador, EDYN Poland
• Aleksandar Savić, Leadership Council Member, EDYN Serbia
• Jonathan Katz, Senior Fellow and Director, Democracy Initiatives, The German Marshall Fund of the United States

The German Marshall Fund of the United States invites you to join a timely discussion with the leadership of USAID’s Europe and Eurasia Bureau, the International Republican Institute (IRI), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to discuss efforts to strengthen youth leadership and democracy across Europe and Eurasia. In 2019, USAID, IRI, and NDI launched the European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN) creating a new coalition of political and civic leaders, ages 18-32, with a shared commitment to democratic principles.

Since the launch of EDYN, the challenges facing the next generation of leaders have grown exponentially, including the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted health, economic security, and stability of democracies in Europe, Eurasia, and globally. Our conversation on September 18 will focus on transatlantic efforts to support and strengthen emerging leaders and create stronger networks in Europe and Eurasia in time of crisis and increased strain and responsibilities. Also joining this important discussion and sharing their critical perspectives are three EDYN participants from Belarus, Serbia, and Poland. The EDYN participants will discuss the current and future challenges they face in strengthening democracy in their communities and nations.

If you have any questions, please contact John Alexander at [email protected].