LocationsDemokrasia Bis is Driving Inclusive Democracy in Timor-Leste
Empowering Youth, One Stop at a Time
September 15, 2024
Demokrasia Bis - Mobile Citizens Lab
Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste
A Young Nation with Young Leaders
Timor-Leste is one of the youngest countries in the world, and its struggle for independence is celebrated as one of the most successful democratic stories in Southeast Asia. With over 70% of its population under the age of 35, Timor-Leste’s demographic reality underscores the crucial role that young people play in shaping the country’s future.
While Timor-Leste has made significant strides in its democratic journey since independence, its youth face obstacles in becoming full participants in the decision-making process. Many young Timorese, especially those in rural areas, feel disconnected from governance structures that are largely concentrated in the capital, Dili. Limited access to information and digital divides exacerbate this disconnect. While these young citizens represent a promising future for the nation, ensuring their voices are heard at decision-making tables remains a challenge.
As 2024 emerges as a pivotal year for democracy, with 3.7 billion people globally eligible to vote — a record high — voting alone is not enough. Effective democracies require that every voice resonates in the corridors of power, and that trust is rebuilt by addressing inequalities that prevent meaningful participation.
The Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento endorsing the Demokrasia Bis
Carolina Silva/UNDP Timor-Leste
Demokrasia Bis: Driving Change
To address these challenges, UNDP has designed Demokrasia Bis – the Mobile Citizens Lab – to bridge the gap between governance structures and rural youth. This initiative aims to empower young people across Timor-Leste by facilitating their participation in decision-making processes and promoting a more inclusive democracy.
The Mobile Citizens Lab will travel to various communities across the country, providing young people, who are often excluded from national dialogues, the tools and information they need to engage in democratic processes. By providing civic education, leadership development, and co-creation sessions with decision-makers it promotes a better understanding of governance and youth's role in shaping the country's future. It is equipped with a mobile podcast studio, to record youth's thoughts and engagement with decision-makers, and utilizes digital tools such as the AI-based survey tool Ekota, for efficient data collection and informed decision-making, highlighting digitalisation as an important enabler for inclusive civic participation.
The initiative is part of the Youth Conversations: Dada-lia ho Foin-sa’e sira project, which has been working to amplify youth voices, especially those of women and marginalized groups, through innovative initiatives like “Viajen Politika - Rides with Politicians”, the Youth Behavior Study, podcasts and co-creation sessions.
As Demokrasia Bis prepares to travel across Timor-Leste, its goal remains clear: to amplify all youth voices by bringing governance education directly to rural areas. Upcoming stops include Liquiçá, Manatuto and Baucau, where the initiative will empower youth with knowledge about their roles in peace, equality, and governance through interactive workshops, discussions with local leaders, and digital tools. This approach fosters inclusion and encourages active youth participation in decision-making. The Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Culture, Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, and Members of the National Parliament have expressed their strong support for this initiative. Deputy António Verdial stated, “I wish that this democracy bus travels across the entire national territory, becoming a reference initiative and a platform where everyone may contribute with their opinions.”, highlighting the widespread endorsement and the anticipated impact of Demokrasia Bis in fostering a more inclusive democratic process.
In a world where disinformation, inequality and polarization threaten the foundations of democracy, it is crucial to ensure that young people—especially those from marginalized communities—feel heard and empowered to influence the policies that shape their lives.
Demokrasia Bis is on the move and coming to a community near you! Join us at one of our upcoming stops, participate in discussions, and make your voice heard. Learn how you can influence the future of Timor-Leste. Together, we can drive the change we need for a more inclusive, resilient, and democratic society.
