Call forApplication – The Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum 2024( ~ March 20, 2024) 

The May 18 Foundation invites you to apply to participate The Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum 2024(Y-GDF) during the Gwangju Democracy Week on May 14 to 15 (Tuesday to Wednesday), 2024 prior to Gwangju Democracy Forum 2024 in Gwangju, South Korea.The various program (lecture,discussion, study tour, and etc) will be composed and after the Y-GDF, you will attend the GDF 2024 from May 16 to 18(Thursday toSaturday) 2024. The GDF will take place for 3 days during the Gwangju Democracy Week under the theme “Crisis of Freedom - The Future We Want” You can find the concept note (draft) of the Y-GDF 2024 below. The deadline for the submission is March 20 (Wednesday), 2024.

- Application Link: http://2024gdfeng.518.org/index.do?contentId=368&dm_id=7

- Duration:Feb. 27(Tues) to March20 (Thur.), 2024

* Contact and Enquiries

- Hayoung Shin:shy@518.org Tel)+82-62-360-0535

Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum (Y-GDF) 2024

Concept Note

14 to 15 May 2024

Introduction

Every May, the spirit of the people’s struggle for democracy and human rights against martial law in May 1980 is commemorated in Gwangju and nationwide through programs to remember and sustain the democracy movement.During this occasion, the May 18 Foundation and the Asia Democracy Network are implementing a joint initiative, the Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum (Y-GDF), to cultivate youth leadership in the democracy movement, strengthen youth engagement in civic participation, and provide a space to network among like-minded actors.

The Y-GDF will take place in Gwangju, Korea, from 14-15 May, 2024, before the Gwangju Democracy Forum(GDF).The GDF is an annual international forum organized by the May 18 Foundation in cooperation with partner organizations to envision more excellent prospects for democracy in the world, according to the May 18 spirit. The GDF will bring prominent democracy and human rights stakeholders from across Asia,and the participants of the Y-GDF will have an opportunity to network and engage.

Objectives

· Sustain and maintain the democratic movement in memorial of the May 18 democracy struggle spirit

· Develop youth leadership in activism

· Provide space for pro-democracy advocate youth to network and connect

Themes/Topics

This year, the theme of the Gwangju Democracy Forum(GDF) is ‘Crisis of Freedom – The Future We Want”. The Forum aims to examine the evolution of how freedom is defined and its varied perceptions, with the goal of gaining insight into the contemporary understanding of freedom in today’s world.

In line with the GDF theme, theY-GDF will also explore three thematic clusters from the GDF under the overarching theme, “We Are The Future.”

a)     GlobalCrisis

Discuss ways to deepen international solidarity and the necessity of global leadership to create a peaceful Earth without war.

b)    We are the Future

Discuss mobilizing and leading movements as youth activists as a response to challenges regarding democracy,human rights, and freedom. (ie: Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution, Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement, Milk Tea Alliance, and Myanmar’s Civil Disobedience Movement)

c)     Election vs Democracy?

Discuss how elections are conducted in respective countries, the factors that impact the electoral process and as a means to strengthen democracy.

Methodology

The two-day program will include lectures, on-site study tours, group work, and group discussions.There will also be opportunities for participants to present their thoughts on their vision for the future of democracy and civic space as well as strengthening international solidarity.  

The participants will also attend the Gwangju Democracy Forum from 16-18 May 2024 learning and engaging pro-democracy advocates and experts. In addition, participants will also participate in the National May 18 Ceremony organized by the Korean government on May 18^th.

Eligible Participants

· 22-35 years of age(born 1989-2002)

· Korean & foreign student of any nationality

· Must reside in Korea and be enrolled in a South Korean institution of higher education

· Currently studying topics on peace, democracy,human rights, civil society

· Interested in learning more about the May 18^thDemocratic Uprising

· Must be able to attend in full the Y-GDF and GDF for the duration of 14-18 May 2024

Accommodations/Meals/Transportation

Accommodation will be provided(two people will be paired in one room in a modest hotel)

Meals will be provided for 5 nights and 6 days from dinner 14 to breakfast 19 May 2024.

Transportation - The participant is responsible for arranging and funding transportation to Gwangju,Korea.

Main Venue:

May 18 Foundation- 61965Gwangju SeoguNaebangro 152May 18 Memorial Culture Center

Program

[Gwangju Democracy Forum Schedule]

[Y-GDFSchedule]

**The program is subject to change. A final program will be provided before the event.