Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 in Strasbourg, France: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Democracy Leaders Worldwide

Applications are now open for the Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026, an international opportunity that will bring up to 50 young people to Strasbourg, France, to participate in one of the Council of Europe’s major platforms for dialogue on democracy, democratic innovation, youth participation, and the future of democratic societies.

The youth delegation will participate in the 14th edition of the World Forum for Democracy, scheduled to take place in Strasbourg on 2–3 November 2026 under the theme “Rupture or Renewal? Democratic Security for Our Future.” The Forum will take place within the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, an initiative developed by the Council of Europe in response to emerging challenges facing European democracies.

Selected youth delegates will have a broader programme than attendance at the main Forum alone. They will arrive in Strasbourg on 30 October 2026 and participate in dedicated pre-event training on 31 October and 1 November. They will then attend the World Forum for Democracy on 2–3 November and participate in the dedicated Youth Day on 4 November before departing Strasbourg on 5 November 2026.

The opportunity is particularly attractive because the Council of Europe will cover travel and visa costs in accordance with its applicable rules, while accommodation and meals will be provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.

Applications are open to young people aged 18–30 who represent youth organisations and/or youth movements working on democracy, youth participation, or innovative democratic practices at local, regional, national, or international level.

The application deadline is 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.

About the World Forum for Democracy 2026

The World Forum for Democracy is a platform created to bring together political decision-makers, civil society activists, youth representatives, practitioners, and other stakeholders to discuss solutions to major challenges facing democracies around the world.

Rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical discussions about democracy, the Forum examines experimental initiatives, emerging practices, and innovative approaches that can strengthen democratic societies.

It provides a space where participants can explore how grassroots democratic innovations might be transferred or expanded to the systemic level.

Through this approach, the World Forum for Democracy contributes to efforts to make democratic structures and institutions more:

• Participatory
• Inclusive
• Responsive
• Innovative
• Resilient

The 2026 edition will be the 14th World Forum for Democracy.

World Forum for Democracy 2026 Theme

The 14th edition of the World Forum for Democracy will take place under the title:

“Rupture or Renewal? Democratic Security for Our Future”

The Forum will be organized within the framework of the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

The theme reflects ongoing discussions about the future of democracy and the need to ensure democratic systems are prepared to respond to new and evolving challenges.

Understanding the New Democratic Pact for Europe

The New Democratic Pact for Europe represents the Council of Europe’s response to contemporary challenges facing democratic societies.

The initiative is firmly focused on the future and provides a framework for considering how European democracies can prepare for emerging political, social, institutional, and democratic challenges.

The Council of Europe’s member states have supported the Pact since 2025.

Over a period of two years, the Council of Europe has conducted broad consultations involving stakeholders such as:

• Member states
• Regions
• Territories
• Civil society
• Universities

These consultations seek to contribute to a stronger understanding of the future of democracy in Europe and how democratic institutions can prepare for emerging challenges.

The World Forum for Democracy 2026 will contribute to this broader process.

About the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation

Youth participation is an important component of the World Forum for Democracy.

For the 2026 edition, the Council of Europe is recruiting a dedicated youth delegation consisting of up to 50 participants.

The delegation will bring youth perspectives into discussions concerning the New Democratic Pact for Europe and the broader future of democratic societies.

The Council of Europe intends to select a diverse group of young people capable of offering different experiences, ideas, and perspectives on democracy.

Particular relevance is given to young people who are already involved in finding solutions and developing ideas capable of strengthening or revitalizing democratic systems, especially where those systems may be at risk.

Number of Participants

The youth delegation will include:

Up to 50 participants.

The selection aims to create a group reflecting the diversity of young people around the world while bringing together different perspectives and experiences relating to democracy.

What Selected Youth Delegates Will Do

Selected participants will engage in several stages of the programme.

These include:

1. Online preparations
2. Arrival in Strasbourg
3. Pre-event youth delegation training
4. Participation in the World Forum for Democracy
5. Participation in Youth Day
6. Follow-up within their organisations and communities

Stage 1: Online Preparations

The programme begins before participants travel to France.

Online preparations are scheduled for:

September–October 2026.

Selected delegates must be available to participate in these preparatory activities.

The online component forms part of the overall activity, meaning applicants should consider their availability for the entire programme rather than only the physical event in Strasbourg.

Stage 2: Arrival in Strasbourg

Selected youth delegates are expected to arrive in:

Strasbourg, France, on 30 October 2026.

This will allow participants to begin the in-person component before the main World Forum for Democracy.

Stage 3: Pre-Event Training for the Youth Delegation

A dedicated training programme for youth delegates will take place on:

31 October–1 November 2026.

This two-day training takes place immediately before the World Forum for Democracy.

The dedicated preparation provides the youth delegation with an opportunity to prepare for meaningful participation in the Forum and engage with the themes being discussed.

Stage 4: World Forum for Democracy

The main World Forum for Democracy takes place on:

2–3 November 2026.

Youth delegates will participate alongside other stakeholders involved in discussions about democratic challenges, innovations, and the future of democratic security.

The Forum creates a platform where political decision-makers and activists can discuss possible responses to challenges affecting democracies worldwide.

Stage 5: World Forum for Democracy Youth Day

Following the main Forum, the youth delegation will participate in a dedicated Youth Day on:

4 November 2026.

Youth Day provides an additional space for young participants to engage with the Forum’s themes and strengthen the youth perspective within discussions surrounding democracy and the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

Stage 6: Departure

Participants are scheduled to depart Strasbourg on:

5 November 2026.

The full in-person period therefore runs from 30 October to 5 November 2026.

Complete Programme Timeline

Applicants should take careful note of the programme schedule because full participation is required.

September–October 2026

Online preparations for selected youth delegates.

30 October 2026

Arrival in Strasbourg, France.

31 October–1 November 2026

Pre-event training for the youth delegation.

2–3 November 2026

Participation in the 14th World Forum for Democracy.

4 November 2026

Participation in Youth Day.

5 November 2026

Departure from Strasbourg.

Who Can Apply?

The World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 is intended for young people who are actively involved in democracy, youth participation, or innovative democratic practices.

Candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by the Council of Europe.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

18–30 years old.

Candidates outside this age range do not meet the age profile stated in the official call.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must be able to work autonomously in English.

This means participants should possess sufficient English-language ability to participate independently in:

• Preparatory activities
• Training
• Forum discussions
• Youth activities
• Group work
• Follow-up engagement

The source does not state that applicants need to submit a formal English-language examination certificate.

Organisational or Movement Representation

Applicants should represent a:

• Youth organisation; and/or
• Youth movement

The organisation or movement should be active at one or more of the following levels:

• Local
• Regional
• National
• International

Its activities should relate to relevant areas such as:

• Democracy
• Youth participation
• Innovative democratic practices

The call therefore seeks young people who are already connected to organisations, movements, initiatives, or networks contributing to democratic participation.

Commitment to Democracy and Youth Participation

Candidates should be engaged with issues relating to democracy and youth participation.

The delegation is intended to include young people who can bring substantive experiences and perspectives to discussions concerning democratic systems and their future.

This may be particularly relevant to applicants involved in developing ideas or solutions to strengthen democracy in places where democratic systems face challenges.

Full Availability Is Required

Applicants must be available for the entire programme.

This includes:

• Online preparation during September–October 2026
• Youth delegation training on 31 October–1 November 2026
• World Forum for Democracy on 2–3 November 2026
• Youth Day on 4 November 2026

Candidates should therefore verify their availability before submitting an application.

Follow-Up Capacity

Applicants must be in a position to follow up on the results of the World Forum for Democracy within their organisations and communities.

Participation is therefore not intended to end when delegates leave Strasbourg.

Successful applicants should be prepared to transfer knowledge, ideas, discussions, and lessons from the Forum into their own environments.

Potential follow-up contexts could include their:

• Youth organisations
• Youth movements
• Communities
• Networks
• Local initiatives

The specific format of follow-up activities is not detailed in the information provided.

Previous Council of Europe Experience

Previous involvement with the Council of Europe youth sector in democratic participation is considered an asset.

This is particularly relevant for candidates who have participated in activities organized by:

• The Council of Europe Youth Department
• Youth Department partners
• European Youth Foundation grantees

Previous involvement in initiatives contributing to the New Democratic Pact for Europe may also strengthen an applicant’s profile.

However, the call describes previous involvement as an asset rather than stating it as a mandatory eligibility condition.

What Does the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation Cover?

The Council of Europe provides substantial financial and logistical support for selected participants.

Travel Costs

All travel costs are covered by the Council of Europe in accordance with its applicable rules.

This substantially reduces the financial barrier for selected young people travelling to Strasbourg.

Visa Costs

Visa costs are also covered by the Council of Europe in accordance with its rules.

This is particularly relevant to participants who require a visa to enter France.

Applicants who require visas should nevertheless be prepared to complete all required visa procedures and provide any necessary documentation within the relevant timelines.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be provided at the:

European Youth Centre Strasbourg.

Selected participants therefore do not need to arrange their own accommodation for the official programme period covered by the organisers.

Meals

Meals are also provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.

European Youth Centre Strasbourg

The European Youth Centre Strasbourg will serve as the accommodation venue for selected youth delegates.

The Centre forms part of the Council of Europe’s infrastructure supporting youth activities and provides a setting for international youth learning, training, dialogue, and cooperation.

Having delegates accommodated within the European Youth Centre also supports interaction and networking among participants during the programme.

Why Young Democracy Leaders Should Apply

The World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation provides young people with an opportunity to contribute their perspectives to international discussions on democracy.

Young people are not simply passive observers of democratic change. They participate in social movements, civil society organisations, community initiatives, political discussions, digital activism, youth organisations, and innovative democratic practices.

The Youth Delegation provides a platform for some of these perspectives to enter discussions involving decision-makers, activists, and other democracy stakeholders.

International Exposure

Participation in an international forum in Strasbourg gives young delegates exposure to perspectives and experiences beyond their immediate communities.

The delegation itself is intended to reflect the diversity of young people around the world.

Participants can therefore engage with peers who may have very different experiences of:

• Democracy
• Civic participation
• Youth engagement
• Community organisation
• Democratic innovation

Networking Opportunities

Bringing together up to 50 youth representatives creates opportunities for international networking and peer learning.

Participants can interact with other young leaders as well as stakeholders participating in the wider World Forum for Democracy.

These connections may contribute to future:

• Youth collaborations
• Democracy initiatives
• Advocacy projects
• International partnerships
• Knowledge exchange

Opportunity to Bring Youth Perspectives to International Discussions

A central purpose of the youth delegation is to ensure that youth perspectives contribute to discussions about the New Democratic Pact for Europe.

Young participants can bring experiences from their organisations and communities into conversations concerning democratic security and the future of democracy.

Professional and Leadership Development

The programme also provides a learning experience for young people engaged in democracy and youth participation.

Participation in online preparation, dedicated training, international dialogue, and follow-up can strengthen competencies relevant to:

• Youth leadership
• Civic engagement
• Advocacy
• Intercultural communication
• Democratic participation
• International cooperation
• Community engagement

Importance of Follow-Up After the Forum

Applicants should pay particular attention to the requirement concerning follow-up.

The Council of Europe is seeking participants who can take the Forum’s results back to their organisations and communities.

A competitive applicant should therefore be able to demonstrate a meaningful connection to a youth organisation, movement, network, or community where lessons from the Forum can continue to generate value.

When preparing an application, candidates may benefit from considering how they could share or apply what they learn after returning home.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official application process provided by the Council of Europe Youth Department.

Applicants should carefully review the concept note and official call for applications before completing the form.

Before applying, candidates should ensure they can demonstrate:

1. That they are between 18 and 30 years old.
2. Their ability to work autonomously in English.
3. Their involvement with a relevant youth organisation or movement.
4. Their engagement with democracy, youth participation, or innovative democratic practices.
5. Their availability for the full programme.
6. Their ability to follow up on the Forum’s outcomes within their organisation or community.
7. Any relevant previous involvement with the Council of Europe youth sector, where applicable.

Click HERE to begin your application

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 is:

14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.

Applicants should take particular note of the specified time zone and should not assume they can submit until the end of the day in their own country.

Submitting well before the deadline is advisable to avoid last-minute technical problems.

Selection Considerations

The information provided does not give a detailed numerical scoring system for applications.

However, the participant profile clearly indicates that candidates should demonstrate alignment with the programme’s objectives.

Relevant factors include:

• Age eligibility
• Ability to work in English
• Active youth organisation or movement involvement
• Engagement in democracy and youth participation
• Full availability
• Ability to conduct follow-up activities
• Diversity of perspectives
• Relevant previous Council of Europe youth-sector engagement, where applicable

Because the delegation will contain only up to 50 participants, applicants should present their experiences and motivations clearly and specifically.

Practical Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Demonstrate Real Engagement With Democracy

Rather than simply stating that you are interested in democracy, provide concrete examples of your involvement.

This might include your work within a youth organisation, movement, civic initiative, community project, or another relevant activity.

Explain Your Role Clearly

Describe what you personally do within your organisation or movement.

Applicants should distinguish their own contributions from the general achievements of the organisation they represent.

Connect Your Experience to the Forum

Show how your experiences relate to:

• Democracy
• Youth participation
• Democratic innovation
• Democratic security
• Inclusive participation
• The future of democratic institutions

Demonstrate Follow-Up Potential

Since participants must follow up on Forum results, explain how your organisation or community could benefit from your participation.

A strong application should show that the opportunity will create value beyond the individual applicant.

Confirm Your Availability

Do not overlook the programme’s time commitment.

Selected delegates must participate in online preparation and the complete in-person programme in Strasbourg.

Highlight Relevant Council of Europe Experience

If you have previously participated in activities connected to the Council of Europe Youth Department, its partners, European Youth Foundation grantees, or initiatives connected to the New Democratic Pact for Europe, include this information where the application allows.

Previous participation is considered an asset.

Key Dates to Remember

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:

• Application deadline: 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time
• Online preparations: 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 from Strasbourg: 5 November 2026

For more information about the Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026, visit HERE

Conclusion

The Council of Europe World Forum for Democracy Youth Delegation 2026 offers an important international opportunity for young people actively engaged in democracy, youth participation, and innovative democratic practices to contribute their perspectives to discussions about the future of democratic societies.

Up to 50 young participants will be selected to join the delegation in Strasbourg, France. Their engagement will include online preparations during September and October, dedicated pre-event training, participation in the 14th World Forum for Democracy under the theme “Rupture or Renewal? Democratic Security for Our Future,” and a dedicated Youth Day.

The opportunity is particularly accessible because the Council of Europe will cover travel and visa costs according to its rules, while accommodation and meals will be provided at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg.

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, be able to work autonomously in English, represent a youth organisation and/or youth movement working on relevant democratic issues, participate in the complete programme, and be capable of following up on the Forum’s outcomes within their organisations and communities.

With the application deadline set for 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time, eligible young democracy leaders should review the official call carefully, prepare strong applications demonstrating their practical involvement in democratic participation, and submit before the deadline.

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