The Global Taiwan Institute is pleased to present a recording of the first event in its Civil Society and Democracy series funded by a grant from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy (TFD). This public seminar, held on June 28, focused on the recent surge of activism and democratic participation among young people in East Asia. In the last few years, there has been a remarkable shift in East Asia’s democracies with young people leading social movements for greater freedom and equality.
Jennifer Lu, from the Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association for LGBT rights, has been at the forefront of the marriage equality campaign in Taiwan and shared her insight into the gay rights movement. Johnson Yeung joined the panel to speak on his experience as a leader during the Umbrella Movement and his work as a civil society activist in Hong Kong. Dr. Andrew Yeo, from Catholic University, spoke on recent trends in South Korea’s democracy including the candle light vigil at Gwanghwamun Square that drew more than 1 million people.