“Democracy is powered by the will of the people -- by their voices, their choices, and their participation.” – António Guterres [UN Secretary-General]

On this day, which renews the global commitment to protect human rights and promote inclusive international cooperation, we remember the importance of young people's active participation in building democratic, free, and open societies.

Because those words remain urgent, we look back at the manifest written by the 140 young people who took part in Hackfordemocracy25A in 2024. Promoted by Circuito, Braga Media Arts Educational Service, as part of the European EU Digital Deal program, this major event for discussion and youth collaboration challenged them to critically reflect on the obstacles faced by democracies, freedom, and revolutions, affirming them as an active voice in a constantly changing society. Because a truly democratic society is one that listens – and acts – in an inclusive way! The manifest that resulted from this experience says:

They say we are individualistic and complacent, we don't care about politics, we don't know anything about what's going on around us. Maybe that's true, but we have something to say.

50 years after April 25, we feel that democracy is in danger and the reality isn't as we thought it would be. Today, we face complex challenges that compromise freedom and equality. We are concerned about climate change, gender inequality, the rise of political extremism, homophobia and transphobia, xenophobia, racism, lack of housing, inequalities in health and culture, war, disinformation and fake news, and corruption.

Tonight 140 young people occupied gnration. We reflected on what power, censorship, and oppression are. We don't have the right to vote yet, but democracy isn't just about voting. Now, we're sharing 25 ideas for the city, the country, and Europe. These are not vague ideas but concrete proposals. And they are urgent.

Braga
- Improve the public transport network;
- Invest in recycling, place more recycling bins and public toilets in the city;
- Restore Rio Este;
- Improve sidewalks for people with mobility impairments;
- Build ramps and access to cultural buildings (theaters, cinemas, etc.);

Portugal
- Create awareness actions and organize intercultural festivals for people to interact with other cultures;
- Talk about stereotypes and the variety of cultures living in our country in the various subjects of the school curriculum;
- Promote sex education in schools, allowing everyone to express themselves as they wish;
- Improve ICT programmes so we can identify fake news;
- Invest in political education for citizens of all ages;
- Reduce rents and use uninhabited homes for those who need them most;
- Increase the minimum and average wage;
- Co-pay for all health exams;
- Ensure that everyone has the right to psychological and dental services;

Europa
- Guaranteeing equal pay for everyone, with heavy consequences for those who don't follow through;
- Listening to people with disabilities, working on empathy among young people and children;
- Promote more affordable access to culture;
- Create cultural shows accessible to blind and deaf people;
- Increase taxes on vehicle fuels and invest in renewable energies;
- Guarantee diversity and plurality in political participation;
- Implement anti-corruption programmes;
- Control the Euribor rate to lower housing loan rates;
- Give major visibility to different cultures in the media;
- Combat stereotypes by no longer presenting the ideal type of person in the media;
- Creating measures to combat fake news and disinformation.

Above all, we want to be listened to and questioned. We want spaces where we can participate. We want to be an active voice in a society that is constantly changing. After all, we are the future, but we are also the present.

This event, organized by Faz Cultura - Empresa Municipal de Cultura de Braga as part of the EU Digital Deal programme, co-financed by the European Commission, also had the exceptional support of Agere, Edigma, Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (in particular the Braga delegation and the National Emergency Coordination), the National Archives of Torre do Tombo, the IPCA, as well as a wide range of local volunteers and professionals who provided all the necessary support for an event of this nature and size, contributing to its success.