The Asia-Pacific region is characterised by a wide range of political systems, from full democracies to authoritarian regimes. Recent reports indicate a decline in democratic governance in the past decade, with concerns over electoral integrity being particularly prominent. The region is also home to over 700 million young individuals, many of whom face significant barriers to political participation. Institutional restrictions, limited representation, and political repression create a challenging environment for youth engagement. Nevertheless, their involvement is essential for sustaining democratic governance.

The upcoming special issue of the Kyoto Review of Southeast Asia, published by Asia Centre, will examine how ruling regimes manipulate or dismantle electoral systems to maintain their control. Despite these challenges, young people are leading the charge for democratic advocacy.

This forum brings together both regional and international voices to explore ways to enhance youth political participation and safeguard democracy.

To find out more, attend the regional forum:

Date: 4 April 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Bangkok Time, GMT+7)
Venue: Online and On-site (Bangkok, Thailand)
Language: English

Register here: https://forms.gle/o2saXPKs9faAbdHQA