Applications are now open for the 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 of the World Forum for Democracy is “Democracy at risk: how can we revive it?”
The 2025 edition of the World Forum for Democracy will address how the lack of trust in democratic institutions and processes undermines democratic legitimacy, stability, and resilience to both external and internal threats. When citizens are no longer invested in democracy, they may gradually withdraw from voting and other forms of civic participation, leaving the fundamental freedoms that underpin democratic institutions increasingly vulnerable. This vulnerability creates an environment in which populists and autocrats have greater latitude to weaken institutional checks and balances, undermine constitutional protections, and restrict freedoms such as expression and association.
Organised on an annual basis, the programme of the Forum features inspirational talks by
thought leaders. Breakaway sessions and creative workshops will challenge proposed new
solutions and identify ideas worth spreading. Moreover, the Forum will actively foster the creation
of networks and communities of practice, serving as incubators for turning ideas into action.
The participants of the youth delegation will gather at the European Youth centre in Strasbourg
two days before the start of the Forum to learn about the Council of Europe and its work with
youth, to get to know each other, to develop their ideas, work together and prepare for the
Forum. During this time, participants will be well informed about the setting of the Forum, about
the programme with its different formats, where they will be invited to choose their preferred
side events for attending.
During the Forum, the youth participants will join the Plenary sessions in hemicycle of Palais de
l’Europe and will be actively engaged in different breakaway sessions, creative workshops and
side events. Participants may be given roles in different breakaway sessions, creative workshops
and side events according to their interests and competences (rapporteurs, discussants,
moderators, etc.)
Requirements
The 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.
Note: Special consideration will be given to applicants who are recognised within the Council of
Europe’s youth sector for their active involvement in promoting democracy and youth activism.
To be selected and participate in the World Forum for Democracy 2025, the youth applicants
must be:
- Between 18 and 30 years of age;
- Able to communicate and work in English;
- Actively involved in youth organisations or other civil society organisations working with
young people on issues reviving democracy via new creative solutions; - Motivated to share their experiences on democracy and to contribute to developing new
ideas on reviving it; - Available to participate fully in the World Forum for Democracy 2025 and in the
preparation process beforehand (i.e. online preparation and onsite presence in
Strasbourg arriving on 2 November and departing on 8 November
Benefits
Travel expenses
Travel expenses and visa costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of the relevant receipts,
according to the rules of the Council of Europe. Only the participants who attend the entire event
(pre-Forum preparation and World Forum for Democracy) can be reimbursed. The payment will
be made by bank transfer after the Forum. Prepaid tickets for travel can be arranged in case
prior request.
Accommodation
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). Participants will be
accommodated at the European Youth Centre in Strasbourg.
The youth centre is accessible to young people with disabilities and ready to adapt to young
people’s special needs to ensure full inclusion and quality working conditions.
Application Procedure:
- The application form must be completed online before 04 August 2025, 23:59 CET.
Potential applicants are strongly advised to apply well in advance before the deadline to check
that their registration is complete and to solve any possible technical problems. Incomplete
applications will not be accepted. - Application form
- In case of technical problems with the use of the platform, please send an e-mail to
youthapplications@coe.int, before 16:00 CET, on 04 August 2025. - For any further inquiries, please contact WFDYouth@coe.int , before 16:00 CET, on 04 August
2025.
For More Information:
