The World Forum for Democracy is the Council of Europe’s annual gathering on the state of democracy, held in Strasbourg; the 14th edition runs on 2–3 November 2026 under the title “Rupture or renewal? Democratic security for our future”. Around it, the Council of Europe’s Youth Department assembles a youth delegation of up to 50 young people from around the world, so that a youth perspective reaches the Forum and the consultations on the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
Delegates prepare online through September and October, arrive in Strasbourg on 30 October for two training days with the Youth Department, sit in the Forum on 2–3 November, and close with the Forum’s Youth Day on 4 November. The delegation builds on earlier youth-sector work, including the Manifesto for a European Democracy in 2049 and the results of the 10th Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth.
Selection aims for a balance of genders, geographical regions, levels of experience, cultural backgrounds and organisations. Delegates pay nothing: travel, visa fees, accommodation and meals are covered by the Council of Europe.
Benefits & funding
- Travel expenses to and from Strasbourg reimbursed according to Council of Europe rules; full participation in the five-day programme is a condition of reimbursement.
- Visa fees reimbursed.
- Board and lodging provided and paid for by the Council of Europe at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, in twin rooms.
- Two days of dedicated training with the Youth Department before the Forum opens (31 October–1 November).
- A place at the World Forum for Democracy on 2–3 November and at the Youth Day on 4 November, which runs with English and French interpretation.
- The European Youth Centres are accessible to people with disabilities and can arrange for access needs stated in the application form.
Eligibility
- Aged 18 to 30.
- Represents a youth organisation or youth movement active at local, regional, national or international level on democracy, youth participation or innovative democratic practices.
- Able to work autonomously in English.
- Available for the entire activity: online preparation in September–October 2026, training on 31 October–1 November, the Forum on 2–3 November and the Youth Day on 4 November, arriving 30 October and leaving 5 November.
- In a position to follow up the results of the Forum within their organisation and community.
- Open worldwide — the call lists no nationality, residency or education requirement.
- Previous involvement in the Council of Europe youth sector counts as an asset rather than a condition.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Age requirement
18–30 yrs
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Application process
- 1Read the call for participants published by the Youth Department.
- 2Record a video of one minute maximum: a self-introduction plus an answer to one question — what is the ONE key issue that the New Democratic Pact for Europe should address?
- 3Store the video online where anyone can watch it and keep the link; the form asks for it.
- 4Complete the online application form — name as in the passport, nationality, country of residence, date of birth, working languages, access needs — and paste in the video link.
- 5Submit by Friday 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.
- 6Wait for the outcome, announced mid-September 2026; a waiting list is drawn up alongside the selection.
Program timeline
Application deadline, 14:00 Strasbourg time
14 August 2026
Selection results announced
Mid-September 2026
Online preparation
September–October 2026
Arrival in Strasbourg
30 October 2026
Youth delegation training
31 October–1 November 2026
World Forum for Democracy
2–3 November 2026
Youth Day
4 November 2026
Departure
5 November 2026