Call for participants: Apply now to join the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 (fully funded to Strasbourg, France)
Closing Date: 14 August 2026
Call for participants: Apply now to join the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 (fully funded to Strasbourg, France)
About the World Forum for Democracy
The 14th edition of the World Forum for Democracy will take place in Strasbourg on 2-3 November 2026, under the title “Rupture or Renewal? Democratic Security for Our Future” in the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
The New Democratic Pact for Europe, firmly focused on the future, is the Council of Europe’s response to these new challenges. Supported by the Council of Europe’s member states since 2025, the Pact provides a framework for reflecting on the future of European democracies and how to prepare for it. Over two years, the Council of Europe has conducted a broad consultation with its member states, regions, territories, civil society, and universities to better prepare for the future of democracy in Europe.
The Forum is a unique platform for political decision-makers and activists to debate solutions to key challenges for democracies worldwide. By identifying and analysing experimental initiatives and practices, the Forum highlights and encourages democracy innovations at the grassroots and their transfer on a systemic level to strengthen the foundations of democratic societies. The Forum thus contributes to the evolution of democracy towards more participatory and inclusive structures and institutions.
Timeline of engagement of the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation
| Online preparations | Arrival Strasbourg | Pre-event training | World Forum for Democracy | Youth Day | Departure Strasbourg |
| September-October | 30 October | 31 October-1 November | 2-3 November | 4 November | 5 November |
Profile of participants
The World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation will bring together up to 50 participants who reflect the diversity of young people around the world and offer a wide range of perspectives on democracy, including those already engaged in finding solutions and developing ideas to revive democratic systems where they are at risk.
Candidates should fulfil the following profile:
- Be aged 18-30 years old;
- Be able to work autonomously in English;
- Be available to take part in the entire activity, including online preparations (September – October 2026), the training of the youth delegation (31 October – 1 November) , the World Forum for Democracy (2-3 November) and the Youth Day (4 November 2026);
- Represent a youth organisation and/or youth movement active at local, regional, national or international level on topics of democracy, youth participation, innovative democratic practices;
- Be in a position to follow-up the results of the World Forum for Democracy within their organisations and communities;
- Previous involvement with the Council of Europe youth sector in the field of democratic participation will be considered an asset, particularly in activities of the Youth Department or partners, including grantees of the European Youth Foundation, that have contributed to the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
Practical information
All travel and visa costs are covered by the Council of Europe in accordance with its rules. Accommodation and meals are provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.
30 October-5 November 2026
Strasbourg
Deadline to apply: 14 August 2026, 14:00 Strasbourg time
Application and selection
All candidates must duly complete the online application form. In addition to the application form, participants are required to record a video with themselves and share the link to the video in the application form:
Answering to the question: what is the ONE key issue that the New Democratic Pact for Europe should address?
- Maximum duration of the video: 1 minute.
- Participants have to store the video online and share the link to the accessible video in the application form. Council of Europe recommends using a secure cloud storage service and sharing a view- only link. If you prefer to use online video sharing platforms (e.g., YouTube), please ensure that your video is uploaded as unlisted rather than public. The video will be used exclusively for the purpose of assessing applications and will neither be kept nor shared beyond the
selection process. The Council of Europe Youth Department is not in a position to offer storage space for the
videos. - The Council of Europe will select up to 50 participants based on the profile outlined above, ensuring a balance between genders, geographical regions, levels of experiences, cultural backgrounds and organisations.The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all candidates who fulfil the specific profile
of the activities
Click Here To Apply
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