McDonald Lewanika
Regional Director, Accountability Lab Southern Africa
Dr. Lewanika is the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa for Accountability Lab. He leads the Lab‘s work in Zimbabwe and provides coordination, leadership, and advice on its work in the region. He has over 20 years of experience working on Democracy Rights and Governance across the globe, has research interests, and has published peer-reviewed articles on these subjects.
All Sessions by McDonald Lewanika
Panel 'Policy and democracy community'
European Committee of the RegionsWith democracy in decline over 17 years and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine putting democracy at the top of policy agenda in Europe and the US, the concurrent rise in autocracy is providing a new sense of urgency to democracies worldwide. During this session, the speakers will address what this era of democratic rest means for EU policy, democracy support and activism worldwide. With Helena König (EEAS), McDonald Lewanika, (Accountability Lab South Africa), Sam van der Staak (International IDEA) and Hardy Merriman (International Center on Nonviolent Conflict). Moderated by Shada Islam.
Panel 'Democracy in action: youth driving innovative engagement'
European Committee of the RegionsThis session will bring together dynamic young leaders, advocates, and activists to discuss and showcase how youth-led initiatives are playing a pivotal role in shaping democratic engagement through innovative projects. The session will inspire attendees with concrete examples of advocacy work led by youth cohort members who have received advocacy grants, demonstrating the impact of their efforts in driving democratic change. With Ismael Paez Civico (Youth Forum), Natalia Gómez Solano (Special Adviser on Youth to the EU) , Olga Caballero (Alma Civica, Paraguay) and McDonald Lewanika (Accountability Lab South Africa)
