In Late October 2023, I along with my YELP Fellow, Fiona Kamikazi, received a nomination from the Aspen Initiative Nairobi to attend the first cohort of the “Democracy Forward: Inspiring Change in Today’s World” workshop organized by the Aspen Institute International Partners & Aspen Germany in Berlin starting beginning of December 2023.
Attending this workshop was a truly enriching and insightful experience for me, as I had the honor to represent not only Africa, but also our YELP network, and the LéO Africa Institute.
The workshop brought over 30 like-minded leaders from around the world to spark dialogue, champion new ideas, and contribute to a global effort to rebuild and uphold democratic ideals and structures. We discussed some of the most pressing issues facing our democracies today, explored what democracy means to us, what has historically shaped our shared narrative, and the current challenges testing our democratic structures and ideals.
We also gave thoughtful reflections on how we can rebuild faith in our democracies to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future in our local community and across the globe.
Each one of the participants brought a diverse set of beliefs, experiences, and perspectives that are influenced by our personal life stories, our countries of origin, and our professional sector.
During the seminar, we explored a range of readings that guided us through reflections and conversations, including topics such as liberty, explored different kinds of government and the ways by which they are established, reflected on different methods of rising as a prince, etc.
We also discussed the importance of being cautious with whom we give power over us.
One of the key takeaways from the workshop was the G20 simulation, which helped me understand how negotiations between different parties are done in the real world during G20 Summits and broadened my understanding of global democratic challenges but has also provided me with valuable insights into the art of negotiation and the dynamics of international summits.
I learned that preparation is the key and that we need to be well-prepared with what we want to come out with from the negotiation table. We also experienced all the emotions that the parties go through during negotiations and realized that we can be flexible but still need to know what we want from the negotiation table, and that the best solution is to make sure we come up with win-win agreements.
Through several side conversations I had with fellow participants, I was struck by their passion and commitment. It was inspiring to see how some are working tirelessly to make a positive difference in their communities and countries. I left the workshop feeling energized and motivated to continue working towards our shared goals.
As I reflect on the discussions we had, the readings explored, and the simulations we did, over the 4-day seminar, I am reminded of the collective responsibility we share in shaping the future of democracy. The commitment and dedication of my fellow participants have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and the potential for impactful change.
I am grateful to the LéO Africa Institute and the Africa Leadership Initiative – East Africa for their recommendation for me to attend the Democracy Forward Workshop in Berlin. I believe that the knowledge and inspiration gained from this experience will be valuable not only to myself but to our entire institute network in our future seminars. I am looking forward to leveraging this experience to further our collective mission and contribute to a more just and democratic world.
Together, we can work towards a more democratic and just world.
Benefique Magadju is a Class of 2018 Young and Emerging Leaders Project Fellow of the LéO Africa Institute.