ADN/I10/2014/MAR
12 March 2014
Dear Friends,
The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) will be conducting an annual Asia Young Leaders for Democracy Program to cultivate young leaders to advocate democracy across Asia. Please read below for detailed information from TFD or visit their website at http://www.tfd.org.tw/opencms/english/index.html.
-ADN Secretariat-
2014 Asia Young Leaders for Democracy Program
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
A politically active civil society is critical to the sustainability of any democracy. Democracy underpins global stability, human rights and international security. An informed and active citizenry is the driving force behind a genuine and competitive political process. It also helps build confidence in the system, and public acceptance of election results. Because democratic transitions are rooted in people and movements, sustainable democracy programs cannot be delivered in a top-down, one-off, and short-term manner. To achieve sustainable change, democracy promotion must be a long-range exercise.
To underscore the importance of a strong civil society, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD) is proposing to establish an annual Asia Young Leaders for Democracy (AYLD) program in Taipei, Taiwan. The goal is to encourage committed young democrats and NGO activists in the promotion of democracy to be proactively involved in public affairs; to recognize the core values of human rights, democracy, good governance; to recognize the challenges and opportunities for strengthening the culture of democracy; and to share their own experiences during the program.
It is estimated that 20 young leaders dedicated to the enhancement of Asian democracy and human rights will be invited. The AYLD program aims to provide a common platform for young democrats and NGO activists to share experiences and practices in promoting democracy and human rights in their home countries, to gain a broader understanding of Asia’s role in the world, and also to begin networking with their counterparts.
Applications are open to the public from November 2013, and we invite you to send us your applications for Asia Young Leaders for Democracy Program.
To submit your application, please download the application form and also refer to the program prospectus. All application materials are due no later than March 31, 2014.
For more information, please contact Dr. Kar Yen Leong at karyen@tfd.org.tw or +886-2-2708-0100 ext. 605.