Celebrating a Success Story of Youth Empowerment: Strengthening Democracy through Local Youth Councils!
Dates: 27 to 29 June 2023
Location: European Youth Centre Strasbourg
We are excited to share a heartwarming success story from the seminar organized by the Youth Department of the Council of Europe! The event, titled “The role of local youth councils in strengthening democracy,” brought together young leaders, local authorities, and youth sector experts from across Europe to celebrate the power of youth participation in shaping democratic societies.
The Power of Collaboration:
During these three inspiring days, participants had the incredible opportunity to learn from each other’s diverse experiences in their respective local youth councils. The seminar fostered a collaborative environment that encouraged sharing best practices and innovative ideas on how to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.
Empowering Youth Voices:
Local youth councils play a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of young people in decision-making processes. They are vibrant platforms where the youth can raise their concerns, suggest ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of their communities. The seminar highlighted how these councils can empower the youth, instilling a sense of responsibility and civic engagement that will last a lifetime.
Nurturing Democratic Values:
Democracy thrives when every citizen is given an equal chance to participate and contribute. The success stories shared at the seminar showcased how local youth councils act as catalysts for nurturing democratic values within society. By involving young minds in local governance, these councils ensure a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable democratic process.
A Roadmap for the Future:
One of the main outcomes of the seminar was the development of proposals aimed at strengthening local youth participation. These proposals will not only serve as a guide for local authorities but also provide valuable insights to the youth sector of the Council of Europe. Together, they will pave the way for creating an even more enabling environment for youth-led initiatives and actions across Europe.
Celebrating Young Champions:
We are proud to celebrate the success stories of these young champions who are fearlessly leading the charge in strengthening democracy at the local level. Their dedication and determination are paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
A Grateful Thanks:
The Youth Department of the Council of Europe extends heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, organizers, and partners who made this seminar a resounding success. It is through your collective efforts that we continue to build a more democratic, equitable, and sustainable Europe.
Together, We Can:
Let’s continue supporting and nurturing the role of local youth councils in shaping our societies for the better. Together, we can create a Europe where every young person’s voice is heard and where democracy flourishes at every level.
