Ramos Research Institute Joins International Gatherings in Panama
- McKinley Coontz
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ – July 14, 2026 — The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) sent representatives to Panama City, Panama in late June to attend and participate in two international gatherings focused on democratic resilience and youth civic leadership. The Community of Democracies’ Voices of Democracy Global Consultation took place on June 25, while the Youth Democracy Network's (YDN) Global Assembly was held June 26-27.
Executive Director Alejandro J. Ramos and Junior Research Associate Paige Duffy attended both events on behalf of the Institute. RRI’s participation in both events reflects the Institute's commitment to producing research and creating opportunities to help young people engage in civic life both in the United States and abroad.
“The Ramos Research Institute’s presence in Panama reflects the growing international reach of our work,” said Ramos. “Being invited to contribute to both events demonstrates that the Institute’s ideas and research are resonating far beyond the United States. These convenings also allow us to build relationships with government officials, civil society leaders, scholars and democracy practitioners who share our commitment to strengthening civic participation and democratic institutions.”
The first event, the Voices of Democracy Global Consultation, served as the culmination of the Community of Democracies’ Voices of Democracy series. It brought together professionals to review the series’ findings about democratic resilience and use them to help create their final global report. Executive Director Ramos was invited to serve as an expert on youth engagement and participation.
The following days Ramos and Duffy attended the YDN Global Assembly, which featured panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities and a showcase of youth-led initiatives built around the theme “Democratic Leadership: Built by Generations, Led by the Next.” The assembly brought together over 150 emerging leaders, policymakers, civic organizations, university representatives and more from over 80 countries.
Ramos was asked to join the “Who Leads Next? Youth Movements, Civic Skills, and Democratic Leadership” session, which explored the impact of young leaders in movements, promoting civic skills and participation, and the importance of creating opportunities to participate in public service and democratic institutions.
"We often say that young people deserve a seat at the table, but that commitment only means something when young leaders are present, heard and able to shape the decisions being made," said Ramos. "Bringing together emerging leaders from different countries, cultures and political contexts strengthens the conversation because they understand both the pressures facing democracy and the possibilities for renewing it. Supporting youth participation requires more than speaking about young people; it requires creating meaningful opportunities for them to lead."
Duffy also attended the Assembly, but as a youth delegate and leader. “Attending this event was both empowering and eye-opening. Connecting with young leaders from around the world broadened my perspective on what leadership looks like across different cultures and experiences and I look forward to carrying those lessons into my future work at RRI and beyond,” said Duffy.
For more information about the Ramos Research Institute and its initiatives, please visit www.ramosresearchinstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn.
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About the Ramos Research Institute:
The Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is an emerging research institution dedicated to original research, polling and policy analysis focused on addressing today’s most complex societal challenges. Founded by Alejandro J. Ramos, RRI produces rigorous, relevant and accessible research across key areas including civic education and engagement, media literacy, democratic resilience and renewal, education policy and the voting behavior of minority communities. Through evidence-based inquiry and public-facing scholarship, RRI seeks to generate insights that strengthen democratic culture and inform policy and practice.
Contact:
McKinley Coontz
Public Engagement Associate
Ramos Research Institute
Cliffside Park, NJ 07010
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