What our Partners are Saying (Archive)
The Center for International Private Enterprise
"The Center for International Private Enterprise is pleased to be a partner in the Democracy Video Challenge, reaching out to hear the authentic voices of the next generation of reformers. Engaging youth in particular and providing access to information are core values for democratic success." - John D. Sullivan, Executive Director, Center for International Private Enterprise
Directors Guide of America
"Film is a window into our common humanity - the challenges and joys that make up the universal human experience - no matter what language we speak or where we were born. The young filmmakers taking part in this challenge will harness the magic of this powerful art form to connect to people around the world in a global discussion on democracy." - Michael Apted, President, Directors Guild of America
International Youth Foundation
"Today's teenagers and 20-somethings will be the majority of their country's leaders, voters and civic activists from 2020-2070. Tomorrow's leaders? YES, and yet so many young social entrepreneurs are leading today, creating community based organizations and movements across the globe. The Democracy Video Challenge is their opportunity to define their vision of what democracy is, and can be for this century." - William Reese, President and Chief Executive Officer International Youth Foundation
International Republican Institute
"IRI is excited to be a part of the Democracy Video Challenge. The chance to reach people through technology, to share ideas about what democracy is and what it means will help us all see the world through a different lens." - Lorne W. Craner, President of the International Republican Institute
Motion Picture Association of America
"The Motion Picture Association of America is a proud partner of the 2008 Democracy Video Challenge, offering the world's young filmmakers an opportunity to display their creativity and share their voices in today's global discourse. Film has always been a medium for individual and cultural expression and the MPAA is pleased to promote the global perspectives of these emerging filmmakers." – Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association of America
National Democratic Institute
"As technology and new media play an increasingly important role in international democracy assistance efforts, the Democracy Video Challenge offers a unique opportunity to create a global dialogue. NDI is pleased to be part of this innovative approach, which connects democrats around the world in an ongoing conversation." - Kenneth Wollack, President of the National Democratic Institute
New York University
"The Tisch School of the Arts has had a long history of producing artists who have spoken up fearlessly and courageously about difficult issues. In many ways, a school of the arts like Tisch could not exist without a robust democracy. We are privileged to be a part of the Democracy Video Challenge." - Mary Schmidt Campbell, Dean Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
NBC Universal
"NBC Universal is proud to be the exclusive media partner for the first-ever Democracy Video Challenge. Democracy is not a concept exclusive to the US, it belongs to the world. As a global company, we believe this is the right forum to engage in an international dialogue about this important topic." - Paula Madison, Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer, NBC Universal
TakingITGlobal
"Young people are full of energy, passion and creativity when it comes to digital media – and when they focus on what democracy means, there's no doubt that their efforts will inject a new perspective into what is an already sophisticated dialogue about democracy. The ideas and opinions of young digital enthusiasts around the world will be a valuable contribution to the Democracy Video Challenge, as they reflect on democracy and its implications, and help construct a pathway towards a brighter future." - Jennifer Corriero. Executive Director, TakingITGlobal
University of Southern California
"The ability to tell compelling stories about who and what we are has long been one of cinema's greatest strengths. Today's networked world takes that to a new level, empowering individuals around the globe to share their experiences, hopes and dreams with one another on a scale previously unimagined." - Elizabeth M. Daley, Steven J. Ross/Time Warner Professor and Dean, School of Cinematic Arts, University of Southern California
US Department of State
"When we talk about supporting democracy and democratic development around the world, we are not talking about a ‘one-size-fits-all' prescription for democracy. Rather we are talking about the freedom of expression, participation in public affairs and vibrant pluralism in the public square as goals that we hope all countries and citizens of the world may strive for in their own way. It is this very spirit which is so wonderfully captured by the Democracy Video Challenge -- an invitation to creative minds everywhere to share, through easily-accessible media, a diversity of definitions of democracy. We all have much to learn from this challenge, and its lessons for all of us will only multiply the more people take part." - Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs
"The Democracy Video Challenge breaks fresh ground for the use of new media in public diplomacy. By inviting online videos that complete the phrase ‘Democracy is…' we in the State Department and our partners are not trying to define democracy for young people around the world. Rather, the Challenge asks participants to share their visions of what democracy means. For us, the point of the Democracy Video Challenge is to generate a global discussion. If the Challenge can generate thought and debate about democracy, on the medium of choice for young people, we'll have achieved success." - James K. Glassman, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Back to the archived quotes about Michael Apted and Hernando de Soto
