The Kofi Annan Foundation and Democracy & Culture Foundation are delighted to announce that Colombian Julián Rodríguez Sastoque is the winner of the third Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. “From youth activism…to politics, this transition has been the greatest challenge of my life.” – Julián Rodríguez SastoqueSince the age of 13, Julián Rodriguez Sastoque has advocated for democracy in his home country of Colombia. Julián Rodriguez Sastoque receives his award from Corinne Momal-Vanian, Kofi Annan Foundation Executive Director at the Athens Democracy Forum in Athens, Greece, on 2 October 2025. About the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy PrizeLaunched in 2023 by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation (DCF), the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 and presented each year at the Athens Democracy Forum. The Prize aims to recognise exceptional leadership and inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy.