In a rapidly changing world, where democratic values are under siege and young voices often go unheard, Tinatin Oboladze has emerged as a powerful, relentless advocate for change. At an age when many are still carving out their careers, Tinatin is already shaping national policies, advising governments, and guiding global networks to ensure that youth have a permanent seat at democracy’s table. Her work, marked by remarkable breadth, expertise, and ambition, exemplifies what one young leader can achieve on a mission to change the world.
A Bold Start: Shaping Youth Rights in Georgia
Tinatin’s journey in youth law and human rights advocacy began in her homeland of Georgia, where she quickly distinguished herself as a fearless voice for young people’s rights. Her expertise in youth law led her to work closely with various branches of the government, providing expert guidance on policies that affect hundreds of thousands of young lives. Her work reached new heights in 2022, when she advised the Georgian Parliament, helping the country align its youth policy with European standards and assess its commitments to international obligations concerning youth.
Her impact didn’t stop at policy recommendations. Tinatin also served as vice president of the Georgian Young Constitutionalists' Association, where she was instrumental in advancing key amendments to the Georgian Constitution in 2017. Under her leadership, for the first time, youth rights to a healthy lifestyle and access to sports were enshrined in the Constitution—a historic step for Georgian democracy and a powerful testament to her vision. Only a few countries’ constitutions inlude youth-related provisions and it is now the reality for Georgia. “For young people to be a part of democracy, they need to see that democracy protects them,” Tinatin said, underscoring her relentless pursuit of rights for her generation.
Reaching the World Stage: A Global Advocate for Youth and Democracy
From 2020 to present, Tinatin has taken her fight for youth inclusion to the global stage, serving as an advisor and leader in some of the world’s most respected democratic institutions. As part of CoD YouthLeads within the Community of Democracies, she works directly with high-level government representatives from countries from all over the world, offering strategic guidance on youth engagement and human rights. While being frequently invited to the world’s key summits and conferences where the future is shaped such as Summit of the Future in UN and Summit of Democracy of U.S. State Department. Few young professionals have the privilege—or the responsibility—of advising global policymakers, and Tinatin has embraced this role with the passion of someone deeply committed to transforming democratic systems. "Working alongside global leaders allows us to bring youth perspectives directly into the heart of decision-making," Tinatin shares. "It’s a powerful opportunity to ensure that our generation’s vision for a just, inclusive future is embedded in the fabric of democracy."
Her influence extends to the Global Youth Democracy Network (YDN), where she sits on the advisory board, helping design initiatives that empower young leaders around the world.
The announcement of the YDN at the Summit of Democracy in Costa Rica, 2023, was met with enthusiasm, and the initiative quickly gained support from leaders and organizations worldwide. For Tinatin, meeting Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and co-launching YDN was not just one of the career highlights; it was, as she describes, “proof that youth-led ideas are not just welcome but essential in global diplomacy.” Reflecting on the experience, Tinatin adds, “This showed that when young leaders are given a platform, they can inspire meaningful change at the highest levels.”
Tinatin’s work, grounded in the belief that democracy is most resilient when all voices are represented, speaks to her profound hope for a better world. She envisions a future where youth are not just participants in democracy but its co-creators, shaping policies and building bridges between generations. Through the “Bright Futures” podcast, YDN will facilitate conversations between young advocates and senior leaders, fostering a dialogue that breaks down barriers and paves the way for intergenerational collaboration.
Looking to the future, Tinatin is already laying the groundwork for long-lasting impact. With the YDN’s hands-on residency program, she will take part in selecting young professionals who will return to their home countries equipped to implement democratic initiatives. The mini-grants that follow this program will empower young leaders to effect change, creating a ripple effect that Tinatin hopes will inspire a new generation of youth advocates.
Resilience and Hope: A Vision for the Future
Tinatin’s vision for inclusive, youth-driven governance led her to initiate the “Ready for a Seat” campaign, a pivotal idea she introduced during a CoDYouthLeads workshop in Warsaw. “I remember working on this idea during our workshop—I started it as a broader concept but quickly evolved to meet the pressing global need for real youth representation with the help of the CoD,” Tinatin reflects.
The purpose of the “Ready for a Seat” campaign is clear: to urge the UN Human Rights Council to prioritize youth political participation in its resolutions, ensuring that young leaders aren’t merely spectators in democratic spaces but active, influential participants in shaping policy. This initiative seeks to institutionalize youth voices in governance, encouraging democratic institutions to create structured roles for young advocates. The campaign has already gained traction among the CoD members, inspiring decision-makers to open doors for young leaders and recognize their role in strengthening democracy.
A Force for Change
In a time of unprecedented challenges to democracy, Tinatin Oboladze embodies the resilience, courage, and vision that youth bring to the global stage. Her journey from advocating for youth rights in the Georgian Parliament to advising the world’s leading democracies has shown what’s possible when one person dares to demand more from the system. “Youth shouldn’t just be seen as the future,” Tinatin insists, “We are here now, ready to lead.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that age does not define impact. At a young age, Tinatin has accomplished what many spend lifetimes aspiring to achieve, leaving an indelible mark on democratic institutions, national constitutions, and young lives across the globe. With each policy she influences, each leader she advises, and each young person she empowers, Tinatin moves us closer to a world where democracy is truly representative—built by and for everyone.
As the world watches her next steps, one thing is clear: Tinatin Oboladze is not just shaping the future; she is redefining it.
Author: Tinatin Oboladze
