2 Malaysians Shortlisted For Kofi Annan Nextgen Democracy Prize

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Two young Malaysians have been shortlisted for the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
They are Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai and Commonwealth Youth Council member Archana Vijai Kumar, who is also a motivational speaker.
Tharma (above), when contacted, told Malaysiakini that being shortlisted was an honour considering the volume of nominations.
“I’m thankful to the Kofi Annan Foundation for the recognition.
“To be selected from thousands of youth leaders and activists from around the world is a huge honour. I am proud to carry the Malaysian flag and story around the world,” he said
“I want to dedicate this to the Undi18 movement and fellow Malaysians who sacrificed and fought to expand the democratic space with us. We could not have succeeded alone,” he said.
Exceptional leaders
The prize is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 years as a recognition for exceptional leadership. It aims to inspire youth towards democratic progress.
The Kofi Annan Foundation and the Democracy and Culture Foundation initiated this award.
The 2024 finalists of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy PrizeThe winner, who is selected by an independent panel, receives a US$10,000 (RM47,006.30) award as well as a one-year mentorship programme with a democracy expert.
Other nominees are Anton Eremin (Russia), Christopher Wleh Sivili (Liberia), Louis Villatoro Villaherrera (El Salvador), Margo Vorykhava (Belarus), Nisreen Elsaim (Sudan), Omar van Reenen (Namibia), Shila Bhatta (Nepal), and Nzakisa Kabata Israel (Democratic Republic of the Congo).
In a post on Facebook, the foundation labelled them as “10 young activists working toward defending, renewing and promoting democracy throughout the world”.
“We can’t wait to tell you a little bit about them and their outstanding work.
“The winner of the prize will join us at the Athens Democracy Forum on Oct 1 to 3, and join last year’s winner Namatai Kwekweza on stage,” it said.
Kwekweza is a human rights activist, feminist, and constitutionalism advocate based in Zimbabwe.
She is also the founder of Welead Trust, a youth leadership development and advocacy organisation established in 2017. - Mkini

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