DYPALL Network at the European Conference “Young People in Local and Regional Life: Democracy in Action!”

DYPALL Network participated in the European Youth Conference: “Young People in Local and Regional Life: Democracy in Action!” held in Braga from 5th to 7th February. Co-organised by the Council of Europe Youth Department and the Braga Youth Centre, with support from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, the Municipality of Braga, the Portuguese Institute for Sports and Youth, and the European Youth Forum, the conference focused on youth participation in decision-making at the local and regional levels.

Bringing together approximately 150 youth leaders and representatives from 42 European countries, the event provided a platform to discuss the revision of the European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life. Participants explored ways to ensure young people’s voices are heard in governance structures, with defined responsibilities for implementation, monitoring, and accountability.

The conference featured an engaging and diverse program, including thematic working groups, panel discussions, and interactive sessions that addressed key issues such as inclusivity, accessibility, and digital communication strategies. A crucial outcome of these discussions was the call for clearer implementation guidelines, stronger directives, and enhanced support for marginalised youth groups to ensure meaningful and equitable participation.

DYPALL Network was actively involved in the conference, exploring, together with the other participants, the challenges young people face. The network’s participation reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering more inclusive and effective youth engagement at local and regional levels.