Pro-democracy activists spoke out about how young people are fighting authoritarianism in Hong Kong, Guatemala, Zimbabwe, and the United States
AUSTIN, TEXAS (March 13, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) hosted a panel at South by Southwest® (SXSW®) this weekend titled, “The Next Generation: Youth Leaders Fighting Authoritarianism.” The McCain Institute panel was selected out of more than 4,700 proposals submitted to SXSW® to reinforce the importance of the involvement of young people in the fight for democracy, whether that be through running for public office, the arts, social media outreach, and more.
McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas led the discussion featuring Hong Kong Activist and Associate Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation Sunny Cheung, First Secretary of the Congress of Guatemala Andrea Villagrán, and Honorable Member of Zimbabwean Parliament Takudzwa Ngadziore.
“We’re seeing an attack on democracy around the world, but young people show us that there is hope for a more free and democratic future,” said Farkas. “These young people have risked everything—they’ve been threatened, harassed, tortured, and imprisoned. They demonstrate what it means to put service above self, country, and party. They demonstrate the power of the individual.”
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do absolutely nothing,” said Ngadiziore. “I want to dismantle the notion that believes the world can function in silos, I believe we all need each other—each nation side-to-side.”
“I was seeing people try to leave Guatemala because they didn’t see a future with access to health services, education services, or even security. I started to get involved in politics because it’s the only way we can make change; I was 25 years old,” said Villagrán.
“Before my exile… I thought about what kind of signal I was sending to the Hong Kong public if I left. I chose to stay and wait until the [2020 Hong Kong National Security Law] was enacted, but I had to flee and have since continued my advocacy overseas so that I can speak about the Hong Kong story for those in Hong Kong who cannot share their own story,” said Cheung.
SXSW®, held annually in Austin, Texas, is a hub for film, music, tech, education, and culture.
Listen to the full panel audio HERE. Video of the full panel will be available after the conference concludes on March 15. Stay tuned by signing up for the McCain Institute’s newsletter HERE.
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About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
