Student protests in the Danube region and globally: is Gen Z becoming a new force for political change?

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Datum/Zeit
September 28, 2026
16:30 - 18:00 MESZ/MEZ


Location: IDM Seminar Room (Hahngasse 6, 1090 Vienna) & online (Zoom and YouTube Livestream)

Organised with Fair Observer 

While movements such as the “cockroach” protests in India have attracted international attention, young people have also been taking to the streets across Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. In Ukraine, young people are influencing politics even in the absence of elections, while more recent protests in Albania show that young people are increasingly emerging as important political actors, challenging established institutions and demanding greater accountability. Together, these examples point to a broader trend of Gen Z becoming more visible and active participants in political life.  

This panel discussion will explore what the Gen Z protests in India and Nepal have in common with those in Ukraine and Albania, where they differ and, above all, whether Gen Z is becoming a new force for political change and what this means for democracy and political participation. Can short-term mobilisation translate into lasting political change? 

To make the panel discussion more interactive, the event will place particular emphasis on engaging young people and creating space for their perspectives and experiences. Rather than discussing Gen Z protests solely from an external or academic perspective, the panel will invite young participants to actively contribute to the conversation, reflect on their own experiences of political participation and discuss what meaningful political engagement looks like for their generation. Interactive elements, including Slido and opportunities for audience participation will encourage an open exchange between panelists and young people in the audience. 

 

Greetings & Introduction: Sebastian Schäffer, IDM Director. 

Panelists:  

  • Olena Babii, Kyiv.
  • Gresa Hasa, PhD Researcher at the Faculty of Law and the Center for Southeast European Studies (CSEES), University of Graz.
  • Atul Singh, founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of Fair Observer.

Moderation: Elena Marko, IDM Research Assistant.  

 

Registration: 

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