Call for Youth Delegation to the World Forum for Democracy
The World Forum for Democracy is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. The theme of the 2025 edition is “Democracy at Risk: How Can We Revive It?”
📝 About the Opportunity
The 2025 edition of the World Forum for Democracy will focus on addressing how the lack of trust in democratic institutions undermines democratic legitimacy, stability, and resilience. This vulnerability creates an environment where populists and autocrats can weaken institutional checks and balances, restrict freedoms, and erode constitutional protections.
Key Features:
- Inspirational Talks: Thought leaders will deliver talks to inspire participants.
- Breakaway Sessions & Workshops: Participants will engage in creative workshops and sessions to challenge proposed solutions and identify actionable ideas.
- Networking Opportunities: The Forum fosters the creation of networks and communities of practice to turn ideas into action.
Pre-Forum Activities:
Participants will gather at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg two days before the Forum to:
- Learn about the Council of Europe and its work with youth.
- Develop ideas and prepare for the Forum.
- Choose their preferred side events to attend.
During the Forum:
Participants will:
- Join plenary sessions in the hemicycle of Palais de l’Europe.
- Actively engage in breakaway sessions, creative workshops, and side events.
- Take on roles such as rapporteurs, discussants, or moderators based on their interests and competencies.
🎁 Benefits
Travel Expenses
- Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of relevant receipts, as per the rules of the Council of Europe.
- Prepaid tickets can be arranged upon prior request.
- Reimbursement will only be made for participants who attend the entire event (pre-Forum preparation and the Forum itself).
Accommodation
- Board and lodging will be provided and paid for by the Council of Europe from 2 November to 8 November 2025.
- Participants will stay at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg, which is accessible to young people with disabilities and accommodates special needs to ensure full inclusion.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
The youth delegation will consist of up to 50 participants who reflect the diversity of young people worldwide and offer a wide range of perspectives on democracy. Special consideration will be given to applicants actively involved in promoting democracy and youth activism.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be 18 to 30 years old.
- Be able to communicate and work in English.
- Be actively involved in youth organizations or other civil society organizations working on reviving democracy through creative solutions.
- Be motivated to share their experiences and contribute to developing new ideas on reviving democracy.
- Be available to fully participate in the World Forum for Democracy 2025 and the preparation process, including:
- Online preparation.
- Onsite presence in Strasbourg (arrival on 2 November and departure on 8 November 2025).
📅 Application Process
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: 04 August 2025, 23:59 CET.
- Applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance to ensure their registration is complete and to resolve any technical issues.
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form online before the deadline.
- For technical issues, contact youthapplications@coe.int before 16:00 CET on 04 August 2025.
- For further inquiries, email WFDYouth@coe.int before 16:00 CET on 04 August 2025.
You can also read the Call Document for more details.
📌 Additional Information
- Sponsor Organization: Council of Europe.
- Event Dates: 2 November to 8 November 2025.
- Location: Strasbourg, France.
🔗 Useful Links
📧 Contact Information
- Technical Issues: youthapplications@coe.int
- General Inquiries: WFDYouth@coe.int
Make sure to apply before 04 August 2025 to be part of this exciting opportunity to shape the future of democracy!
- Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts, according to the rules of the Council of Europe.
- Board and lodging are provided and paid for by the Council of Europe during the dates of the activity (arrival on 2 November and departure on 8 November 2025).
